Finding the Courage to Leave Your Comfort Zone
If you are thinking about leaving your comfort zone, but are unsure how; or maybe you experience anxiety whenever you try, this article is for you. The comfort zone is where we feel safe and in control. It is the space in which we engage in routine behaviors and experience little to no anxiety. We might contemplate stepping out of this safe space for a variety of reasons: perhaps you want to pursue a job with more responsibilities, become a runner, move to a big city or a small town, or improve your social skills. However, fear can sometimes get in the way of stepping outside of your comfort zone. Too little anxiety and we stay in the comfort zone, but too much anxiety can put you in a panic zone.
Psychologists rely on the Yerkes-Dodson Law to describe the relationship between anxiety and performance. The Yerkes-Dodson Law explains that minimal anxiety leads to boredom and poor performance, while panic also leads to poor performance. A moderate level of anxiety allows for optimal performance. The trick is to get past your initial fear zone and into the learning and growth zones. When we are in the fear zone we are heavily influenced by others’ opinions, we lack self-confidence, and make excuses. Feeling fearful and vulnerable may be enough to push you back into your comfort zone. However, experiencing fear and vulnerability is often a necessary step toward the learning and growth zones. Brené Brown, a researcher and social worker who studies vulnerability says, “You can’t get to courage without rumbling with vulnerability.” So yes, you may experience fear, but you will also develop courage.
Navigating these zones means leaning into vulnerability. Although there are no roadmaps or prior experiences to go off of, the longer you persevere, the more likely you are to enter into the learning zone. Once in the learning zone, you will find that you have acquired skills to manage problems that were once challenging. The best part is that your comfort zone extends to the learning zone. The growth zone may be easily accessed from there. This is the zone where aspirations are realized and you develop a clearer understanding of your purpose in life.
In order to take these steps, it’s important to understand that fear, stress, and vulnerability are not bad. They are actually helpful emotions that will ultimately lead you to the learning zone. Reframing your perceptions about fear and stress will be critical in allowing you to overcome anxiety.
Positivepsychology.com talks about 7 ways to leave your comfort zone:
1. Do everyday things differently.
2. Expand your professional skillset.
3. Try a new diet.
4. Take workouts to the next level.
5. Get creative.
6. Challenge your beliefs.
7. Practice honesty.
If you would like to talk to a professional about how to leave your comfort zone, Quintessential Health is here for you. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation at qhealthonline.com.