We’ve all heard it plenty of time now that it is important to leave your comfort zone. However, is it possible to over do it? It is believed that you want to leave your comfort zone just enough to be in the Growth Zone but not too much to where you reach the Stress Zone.
The Stress Zone: What is it?
The Stress Zone can be reached when you push yourself too hard too quickly. Imagine a scenario where somebody hates public speaking. Them not public speaking would be considered them being in the comfort zone. Now imagine they want to try and get out of their comfort zone and become better at public speaking. This is where it would be recommended that they try something small, like taking a public speaking class or even as small as creating a presentation to give to ten of their friends. This would be considered the growth zone. Imagine that instead of trying those small things first, they go to a conference and speak infront of 800 people. For somebody that hates public speaking, that could be too much for them and would put them in the Stress Zone.
The Stress Zone is something that you want to avoid because it will not promote growth. While in the Stress Zone you will be overwhelmed, overly stressed out, and anxious. Under these conditions it is almost impossible to reap the benefits that being in the growth zone can give you.
So, what is the Growth Zone and how can you take advantage of it?
The Growth Zone is that zone between your Comfort Zone and your Stress Zone. This is the zone where you pursue new life goals and develop plans of action to push yourself. While this zone shouldn’t be as intense as as the Stress Zone, you do still need to experience some stress and failure. However, with this stress and failure will come growth and accomplishments.
To read more on why it is important to leave your Comfort Zone and reach your Growth Zone read my post about Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
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