If we were to look up the term ‘comfort zone’ we would find (amongst many other things) the following definition: “A comfort zone is a psychological state in which things feel familiar to a person and they are at ease and (perceive they are) in control of their environment, experiencing low levels of anxiety and stress. In this zone, a steady level of performance is possible.” (Wikipedia 2021)

Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Being at ease and in control with low levels of anxiety and stress probably sounds ideal to many of us.

But our world is a confusing place, with so much information flying at us constantly from so many different sources. 

Here are two quotes to think about:

“Staying in your comfort zone allows you to draw on experience you've gained from past performances, in areas you undoubtedly know well… While new experiences can cause pause and trepidation, keeping in one's comfort zone inspires confidence and limits anxiety.” (Walden University 2021)

“Your comfort zone is a dangerous place. It prevents you from improving, it stops you from achieving all the things you are capable of achieving and it makes you miserable. So, make a decision today to change something in your life that you are unhappy with and start experiencing positive changes” (Carl Pullein 2018).

That’s just two of a countless number of very confident opinions about comfort zones – so who, or what should we believe?  

So, are we punishing ourselves needlessly by trying to push ourselves to take on new challenges, or are we robbing ourselves of our full potential by ‘playing it safe’ and staying comfortable?

The answer is that there is no easy answer, every person is different and so how each of us will cope and respond to various degrees of stress and pressure, will also be significantly different. That’s not really any help at all is it!! 

Paul the apostle, a person who suffered a lot for his faith and who definitely went outside his comfort zone often, wrote this in his letter to the believers in Philippi “…for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13, NLT)

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.”

Such great advice! We don’t need to constantly second-guess ourselves, or torture ourselves with possible missed opportunities. 

The Bible provides a lot of helpful advice about how to be present and happy with what we have – along with many other things.

Don’t take my word for it, grab one and have a read for yourself!! 

References:

“Comfort zone” Wikipedia 2021 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfort_zone (23 November 2021)

“The Pros and Cons of Comfort Zones” Walden University 2021 https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/psychology/resource/the-pros-and-cons-of-comfort-zones (23 November 2021)

“Why your Comfort Zone is the Most Dangerous Place on Earth” Medium 2018 https://medium.com/carl-pullein/why-your-comfort-zone-is-the-most-dangerous-place-on-earth-aec44723888e (2 May 2018)