There’s something to be said about having a low to no-stress life. A life where familiar and routine behaviors, responsibilities, and obligations aren’t rigged with uncertainties, anxieties, or any such worries. What can be said about this lifestyle? It’s a no-risk, steady-as-you-go, no-turbulence comfort zone.
Unsurprisingly, people who want to stay within their comfort zone don’t like changes. People who live within their comfort zone prefer the status quo or their normal state of affairs.
The phrase comfort zone implies a defined area or space of particular personal restrictions. These restrictions prevent and eliminate struggles or strivings associated with changes that may be stressors. Stress is our reaction mechanism to a threat, challenge, or any uncomfortable physical or mental condition.
Avoiding or eliminating stressors creates a more comfortable zone.
Some people dread certain opportunities like public speaking, competing with others, and many other personally perceived stressors.
It’s not necessarily easy to voluntarily add or do stuff that we know is outside our comfort zone. Shaking up things that will make things more challenging could mean less control, confidence, and security. The lack of control presents a problem for control freaks who want to do things their way. Routine things are second nature, like brushing one’s teeth every morning or buckling the seat belt before driving.
I enjoy learning new things and don’t freak out if it takes several attempts to catch on. Public scrutiny is a big problem for people who like to stay in their comfort zone and be in control.
But there are no new adventures or challenges and fewer achievements for people who decide to stay in their comfort zones.
There’s nothing negative or bad about having a comfortable routine. Certain routines like healthy eating, exercise, an eight-hour-day job, and other things are important. But there’s also something positive and good about adding a little pizzaz or sprinkling a little pepper sauce on black-eyed peas. Adding something that’s not customary can be liberating.
You might like it!
The other week I ate something my grandchildren eat, which I thought was insane and nasty. I ate ranch dressing on French fries. It was good! Eating ranch dressing on French fries isn’t insane or nasty and is now part of my comfort zone.
What are two big advantages of leaving one’s comfort zone?
Leaving one’s comfort zone by adding something new becomes an area to grow.
Stepping outside one’s comfort zone helps us confront and eliminate a perceived fear.
Sure, new things have a learning curve that can be fearful. So, what if there’s a little anxiety in not knowing what to expect or how one will perform? The new task will become more familiar, and the fear will disappear.
I was fearful about taking piano lessons so late in life. But I did it! And now I can play the songs I enjoy singing. The saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks is false. Learning new things is all about attitude, commitment, and practice.
And it can be fun!
People who hate boredom, the same o’ same o,’ and are willing to try something new will leave their comfort zone.
We live life well when we continue to increase our comfort zone.
Please don’t misunderstand; there’re some things I don’t plan to add to my comfort zone. Neither parachute jumping nor flying a plane is on my learn-to-do list.
Be well.