Wednesday May 25 2022You've probably come across the call to get out of your comfort zone, whether it's in self-help books, motivational posters, songs, and so on.
So, what does comfort zone really mean? Is it true that stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow?
Know the meaning of comfort zone
Comfort zone alias comfort zone is often regarded as something bad. It's as if you can't be a successful person if you feel at home in this zone without wanting to step out.
In fact, it's actually a psychological phenomenon that might help you make big changes in your life. The comfort zone is a state when everything feels familiar and easy so that you don't experience a lot of stress.
This zone gives you reassurance, security, and a familiar feeling when carrying out an activity or habit.
This condition allows you to do many things with stable performance without interruption, because you don't face a lot of pressure.
Your comfort zone allows you to rest, relax and recharge after a hard day's work. You feel relaxed in it and want to continue to be there. Life seems easier and more enjoyable.
This is because the brain produces chemicals called dopamine and serotonin when you feel comfortable. Both compounds make you feel happy and in a good mood, while making you want to do the things that trigger you again and again.
What happens when you are outside your comfort zone?
On the other hand, other areas outside the comfort zone are places or conditions that can cause stress and anxiety. The zone is full of risk and a lot of uncertainty. You may also not be able to predict how to respond to new things.
However, stress isn't always a bad thing. Healthy stress can actually be a motivation for you to develop to be better, smarter, or successful. Stress also helps you get work done more quickly and concisely.
Being in a comfort zone does make work more stable, but getting out of this state can improve your work results. The outside world is full of pressure. However, you can get greater results and benefits.
Do you have to step out of your comfort zone to be successful?
You don't have to be at odds with your comfort zone to be more successful. Comfort actually becomes a problem if you never try to get out of it because you are hindered by laziness or fear of something that is uncertain.
Getting out of your comfort zone is a choice. Some people feel they have to get out of here and make a decision to learn or get a new experience.
However, there are also some people who choose to stay in it because they feel enough with what they get. If you're confused about where to start, here are some tips that can help you.
1. Looking for information
Fear arises because you do not know what you are going to face. Therefore, look for information about activities, hobbies, or other new things that you want to do later.
If necessary, ask someone in this field. For example, if you want to learn to speak in public, try learning the technique from watching videos of presenters, speeches, and the like. Identify and note what abilities you don't have from the video.
2. Make a plan
Before taking the first step, define the stages first. Break big goals into small goals and increase your self-motivation to achieve them. Armed with the information you have previously obtained, try to identify what challenges you will face.
In this case, you certainly don't have to directly speak publicly at a major seminar. Try starting by leading a prayer over a family meal, then moving on to hosting a friend's engagement ceremony, and so on.
3. Try at least once
The key to getting out of your comfort zone is to try, at least once in your life. Without trying new things, of course you will never know how far you have learned and understood the intricacies in it.
If you are used to filling small events in a circle of close friends, now try to take the opportunity to host an event in a completely new place. From here you can evaluate the advantages and disadvantages it has.
4. Understand what you like and don't like
After a few tries, ask yourself a few questions. Does something new you do make you feel anxious or excited? If you often feel anxious, maybe this activity is not right for you.
You may leave the new activity that you do not like. However, important things like public speaking or socializing sometimes can't be left out completely. In conditions like this, you may inevitably need to step out of your comfort zone a little.
5. Don't push yourself
Successfully doing something new is an achievement. However, remember that you will also face stress. Stress can certainly reduce work performance and trigger anxiety, especially if you let it drag on.
The most important thing is not to force yourself during the process of getting out of your comfort zone. Take a break when you feel pressured, overwhelmed by a new workload, or don't have enough time to get things done.
The comfort zone is a suitable place for activities without excessive stress. However, it becomes difficult for you to grow when you are trapped in it.
While it may be difficult at first, stepping out of comfort may be the right step towards achieving your unfulfilled dreams.
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Also read my recent article
Resistance to change is very much governed by your comfort zone. Just because something is comfortable does not for a moment mean it’s what you want, or even good for you for that matter.