The Comfort Continuum: How to Assess and Expand Your Comfort Zone

The "comfort zone" is that cozy space where everything feels familiar and stress-free. It’s where we stick to what we know, using the same old strategies that keep things steady but can lead to feeling stuck.

In this zone, there’s not much motivation to push for new achievements, so progress can start to plateau.

Studies show a certain level of physiological or mental arousal can boost performance. However, this only holds up to a point. Too little arousal keeps us in our comfort zone, while too much pushes us into paralysis.

Regularly evaluating your comfort level with your work is a smart way to maintain momentum and keep progressing toward those ambitious goals you've set for yourself. Here's how to do it.

Assess Your Comfort Level at Work

Reflect on the following questions related to your business:

1. When was the last time you tried something new at work? What did you do?
2. How much are you learning new things at work right now?
3. To what extent are you developing your skills at work?
4. How repetitive or monotonous does your work feel?
5. When was the last time you took a risk at work? What was it?
6. Is it time for a change? If so, what would you like to change?

Plot Your Comfort Continuum

Visualize your comfort level on a scale of 1 to 10. Scores of 1 to 5 suggest you're within your comfort zone, while scores of 5 to 10 indicate you're outside of it.

Where do you currently fall? How comfortable are you in your business?

Align with Your Goals

Review your position on the continuum and assess if it aligns with your goals. Are there tasks or risks you’re avoiding because they make you uncomfortable? These could be hindering your progress. Write down anything you’ve been avoiding or putting off.

Take Action

Identify three actions you can take to step outside your comfort zone and move closer to your goals. Consider the tasks you’ve been avoiding and use them as a starting point. Set deadlines for each action and commit to taking these steps.

Embracing discomfort and stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for growth and satisfaction. Use this exercise to challenge yourself and unlock your full potential.

References:

This exercise was adapted from positivepsychology.com and originally developed by Dr. Lucinda Poole and Dr. Hugo Alberts.

1. Bardwick, J. (1991). Danger in the comfort zone: From boardroom to mailroom – How to break the entitlement habit that’s killing American business. American Management Association.
2. Yerkes, R., & Dodson, J. (1907). The dancing mouse: A study in animal behavior, Journal of Comparative Neurology & Psychology, 18, 459-482.