Currently, much is said about the term comfort zone. However, do you know exactly what this means and how this situation can harm your personal and professional development?
Do you want to better understand these points and know how to get out of this condition, especially in your professional path? Follow the post we prepared for you!
What is comfort zone?
The comfort zone is a situation that does not require any kind of effort on our part (physical, cognitive or emotional). That is, we perform our actions automatically. Thus, we are accommodated and calm, without feeling fear, stress , anxiety or any emotional distress in this context.
That way, when we’re in the comfort zone, we know we won’t make mistakes or disappoint. As the term itself indicates, it is something that makes us feel comfortable.
The point is that staying in this state of self-indulgence can have bad consequences for our lives, as we stop taking risks and facing challenges. Therefore, in the case of your career, it can become stagnant.
Want an example? Imagine a professional who is in a low-paying job. However, he performs his tasks without difficulty and has a good relationship with bosses and colleagues.
Despite wanting a higher salary and being qualified for a position with better salary, this professional is afraid to leave this comfortable situation. After all, I would have to learn to work in a new place, perform different functions and get to know the team.
The fear of facing these new experiences is what prevents the person from leaving the comfort zone. It is, therefore, a behavior that paralyzes his professional life, as he cannot leave the position in which he finds himself in order to grow.
How to identify the comfort zone?
It is not easy to leave the comfort zone, since we mistakenly imagine that we are in a “safe haven”. The problem is that many people, sometimes, do not even imagine that they live in this comfortable state.
To identify if this occurs to you, it’s easy. Just think about whether it is difficult for you to get out of a certain situation due to fear of failure, shame or even lack of motivation or laziness.
It is a state in which you are paralyzed and feel insecure about betting on something new, without being able to think critically about the context. You end up living in a vicious cycle, getting nowhere.
Another situation that could indicate that you are in the comfort zone is not seeing a purpose in your life. Waking up unhappy every day, and not seeing much sense in the activities you do or in your relationships, is also a point of attention.
Why leave the comfort zone?
Despite the feeling that everything is fine, it’s important to make an effort and believe in yourself to get out of your comfort zone and give your life a turn. Thus, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of this attitude. See below!
improve your self-confidence
When you manage to get out of your comfort zone, either to take better care of yourself or to take an important step in your career, you realize that you are capable.
With this, you stop self-sabotaging, gain self-confidence and improve self-esteem. These are important aspects for you to be able to do your best at work and achieve your goals.
Explore your potential
By breaking this cycle of self-indulgence, you can explore your potential. With this, you can seek new learning and apply for jobs where you can shine, showing all your talent.
Seize the opportunities
The comfort zone can be very dangerous for your career. After all, it can prevent you from changing jobs, applying for a promotion in the company, trying a new professional area or moving to another city to attend a degree.
When you manage to leave the state of self-indulgence and prepare yourself to know and live the new, you can take advantage of different opportunities for your professional life.
Develop skills
If you are willing to face challenges and new situations, you will develop different socio-emotional skills. For example, flexibility, pro activity, resilience and emotional intelligence . All this brings gains to your personal and professional life.
After all, how to get out of the comfort zone?
It may not be a simple process, but everyone can break out of their comfort zone and achieve what they want. Check out our tips to get out of this state of self-indulgence!
1. Identify your life’s goals
The first point is to know where you want to go and the factors that prevent you from achieving those goals.
You may discover that you are afraid of failing and, at that time, it is essential to do a self-knowledge exercise to remember your potential and achievements. That is, keep in mind that you can overcome your insecurities.
2. Be flexible
Stepping out of the comfort zone requires us to be flexible. Therefore, it is necessary to live new experiences, modify habits or routines. At first, it can be challenging, but you just need to dedicate yourself to gradually adapt and achieve your goals.
3. Start modifying your thinking patterns
It’s common to think that if something can go wrong, it’s best not to try. But how about changing that thought pattern and starting to have a positive attitude towards the most varied situations?
Of course, sometimes we will fail and the results will not be as expected, but that is natural. The important thing is to be willing to face challenges and learn from mistakes so that we can evolve.
Don’t let your comfort zone stop you from growing professionally: you have the talent to accomplish everything you want and have a successful career. Just qualify and be open-minded so you don’t miss out on any opportunities.