So much talk about the comfort zone. Yet, it still seems hard to get out of it. After all, everyone seeks comfort in every activity. If it helps you grow, why not twist the definition of the comfort zone, at least for you? This article talks about the why and how of redefining your comfort zone.

Why mess with your comfort zone?

We can use everything for our growth. So let us do the same with the notion of the comfort zone. Among the most prominent definitions, the comfort zone is a state of mind in which you are at ease. 

Yet, the paradox is that they ask you to get out of your comfort zone in order to grow. That means aiming to be uncomfortable, often anxious if you want to grow. Although this can work for some, it does not sound like an intelligent way to grow. Especially when you can use everything for your growth.

An alternative way to approach your comfort zone is to think of it as anything you have already done, and you know the how-to. Whenever you are in a familiar environment or setting, you are in your comfort zone, even if that environment makes you uncomfortable or anxious. 

After all, your daily job may be a stressful one. It does not mean you are out of your comfort zone; you are still in it. In other words, you step out of your comfort zone when you do something new, visit or live in a different place, or face a new challenge.

Use your (un)comfort zone for your growth 

Although the argument that you need to feel stressed or anxious to grow does not sound clever, it is still a fact that stepping out of your comfort zone can help you become better. It is just that you do not need to be anxious in any way. 

It makes sense if going out of your comfort zone makes you feel uncomfortable or vulnerable; this is normal as you are essentially taking some risks and stepping into new territory. Note that discomfort and anxiety do not come hand in hand unless you allow yourself to feel stressed whenever you feel uncomfortable.

Comfort is about the environment in which you are. Anxiety is an internal or mental state that is about you, not your surroundings. Although you can hardly have 100% control over your environment, your way of being is your doing. Some have taken charge of it, and others have left it at the wills of the surroundings. In any way, the two need not connect.

Once that is clear, there are three steps you can take to use your comfort zone for your growth. First, you define what is inside your comfort zone. Then, you make the necessary arrangement to step outside it. That could be anything from booking a plane ticket or making time for a new activity. Finally and most importantly, you embrace the change and let the magic of life unfold!

Takeaway 

• You can think of the comfort zone as anything you have already done, and you know the how-to.
• Note that discomfort and anxiety do not come hand in hand unless you allow yourself to feel stressed whenever you feel uncomfortable.
• To get out of the comfort zone, follow 3 steps: define it, prepare to get out of it, and then embrace the change