The comfort zone is the determinant of success?

Comfort zone aka the comfort zone is often seen as a bad thing. It is as if you cannot be a successful person if you feel at home in this zone without wanting to step outside. In fact, your comfort zone is actually a psychological phenomenon that might help you make big changes in your life.

You may have often come across calls to get out of your comfort zone, whether in self-help books, motivational posters, etc. However, is it true that getting out of your comfort zone is the only way to thrive? Can you achieve this goal by making use of the comfort zone itself?

Get to know your comfort zone and how it affects your life

The term "comfort zone" was first popularized by Alasdair White, a business management theorist, in 2009. According to him, the comfort zone is a state where things feel familiar and easy so you don't experience a lot of stress.

The comfort zone gives you reassurance, a sense of security, and a familiar feeling when engaging in an activity or habit. You can do a lot of things with stable performance without interruption, because you don't face a lot of pressure.

The comfort zone allows you to relax, unwind, and recharge after hard work. You relax in it and want to continue to be there. This zone seems to make life feel much easier and more enjoyable.

This is because the brain produces dopamine and serotonin compounds when you feel comfortable. Both of these compounds give rise to feelings of happiness and mood well, and makes you want to do the triggering thing again and again.

On the other hand, other areas outside your comfort zone are places that can cause stress and anxiety. The place is fraught with risks and many things are uncertain. You also can't figure out how to respond to this new thing.

Even so, stress is not always bad. Healthy stress can actually motivate you to become better, smarter, or successful. Stress also helps you get things done more quickly and concisely.

Being in a comfort zone does make you work steadily, but getting out of your comfort zone can improve the results of your work. The outside world is full of pressure. However, you can get bigger results and benefits.

Have you got out of your comfort zone to be successful?

You don't have to be hostile to your comfort zone to be successful. The problem is that you never try to get out of your comfort zone because you are stuck feeling lazy or afraid of something uncertain.

Getting out of your comfort zone is an option. Some people feel like they have to get out of here and make new decisions to learn or gain experiences. There are also those who choose to stay in their comfort zone because they feel that they are satisfied with what they get.

If you want to step outside your comfort zone, but are confused about where to start, here are some tips to help you:

1. Search for information

Fear comes because you don't know what to expect. Therefore, look for information about activities, hobbies, or other new things that you want to do later. If necessary, ask someone who is deep in this field.

For example, if you want to learn public speaking, try learning the techniques 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, determine the stages. Break down your big goals into small goals, and create motivation to reach them. Armed with the information you have previously sought, try to identify what challenges you will face.

You certainly won't go straight to speaking in public at a big seminar. Try starting with leading a prayer at a family meal, continue by hosting a friend's engagement ceremony, and so on.

3. Try it at least once

The key to getting out of your comfort zone is to try, at least once in your life. Without trying, you will never know to what extent you have learned and understood the intricacies of it.

If you are used to filling in small shows with close friends, now take the opportunity to host a show in a completely new place. From here, you can evaluate the advantages and disadvantages that you have.

4. Understand what you like and don't

After a few tries, ask yourself a few things. Does the new thing you do create anxiety, or is it encouraging? If you find yourself feeling anxious a lot, maybe this activity just isn't right for you.

It's okay to leave new activities that you don't like. However, important things like speaking in public or socializing sometimes cannot be completely abandoned. In these circumstances, you may inevitably need to step outside your comfort zone a little.

5. Don't push yourself

Getting out of your comfort zone is an accomplishment, but remember that you will also face stress. If allowed to drag on, stress can reduce work performance and trigger anxiety.

So, don't push yourself during the process of getting out of your comfort zone. Take short breaks when you feel stressed, 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 develop when you are trapped in it. Even though it might be difficult at first, stepping out of your comfort zone may be the right step to reach your unfulfilled dreams.