A situation where one feels safe or at ease. Be it a job that we are stuck in, a dead end relationship that we are holding on to or a situation that we want to come out of but do not make the effort, all of them signify our comfort zones.

What holds us back from breaking our comfort zones?

• Fear of change – Change is difficult and could be painful as well.
• Uncertainty – Change creates uncertainty and uncertainty can be disturbing for many of us, especially to those of us who like to be one step ahead all the time or like control over every aspect of life.
• Responsibility – Our duty towards our family might be a factor that hold us back from leaving a taxing job
• Complacency – We become used to our situations, surroundings and the people around us
• Focus- Our focus is on what we have to give up not on what we have to gain
• Time & Effort- We are afraid to let go even if we are exhausted by holding on because we fear starting over.
• Control- Many of us have this innate need to be in control of our situations. The unexpected makes us uncomfortable. When we are in our comfort zones, we are in control of everything. There are no new variables.

Why is it important to break out of comfort zones?

• Growth – If we want something that we’ve never had, we have to do something that we’ve never done. That’s not to say that we shouldn’t be content with what we have. What is now our comfort zone was once an unknown. Moving forward is the only way to grow. Growth begins at the end of our comfort zones
• Creativity -Familiarity doesn’t breed innovation.
• Pushing our limits- We may be afraid of challenges as there are chances that it might lead to failure. We do not see the opportunity that lies in front of us to acquire new knowledge & skills.

There may be sometimes where moving forward would mean moving with uncertainty but the important thing to remember is to just take the next small step. We should be happy with what we have while striving for what we want. Balance is key.

If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.