The Comfort Zone

From the publication, From Comfort Zone to Performance Management, by Alasdair A. K. White: "A comfort zone is a psychological state in which things feel familiar to a person and they are at ease and in control of their environment, experiencing low levels of anxiety and stress. In this zone, a steady level of performance is possible." Yes, it actually exists. There is such a thing as a comfort zone. It's warm and fuzzy and according to White's definition, can provide an environment for a steady level of performance. But, what you didn't hear White say in that definition is anything alluding to optimal or peak performance. Sure, you can operate at a "steady level of performance" in the comfort zone, but, will you reach your full potential? Will you progress? No. You'll stay steady. Right at your current rate. Stepping out of a comfort zone raises anxiety and generates a stress response. This results in an enhanced level of concentration and focus, which can lead to progression, growth and optimal performance. White refers to this as the "optimal performance zone". The optimal performance zone is a place where performance is enhanced by just the right amount of stress and anxiety. Here's the catch - too much stress and anxiety can lead to diminishing returns. White refers to this as the "danger zone". As it's name implies, it's dangerous to find yourself in this state of mind. In fact, more dangerous than living in the comfort zone. So, how can we get out of our comfort zone, but not so far that we find ourselves in the danger zone? Better yet, how do you know you are in the danger zone? The answer? It's complicated. It takes a seasoned professional to have the self awareness to know when they are crossing those boundaries from optimal performance to danger zone. That "seasoning" usually comes from experiencing it first hand. It's inevitable and it's ok. By stepping out of your comfort zone, you should know that you, at some point, are going to reach the danger zone. How do you know you've gotten there?

If your progress has stalled, like when in the comfort zone, but, you are feeling anxious, not complacent, you are in the danger zone. If you can't think clearly, if you’ve judgement is completely clouded, you've probably run into the danger zone. Activities in the danger zone seem so difficult that we don’t even know how to approach them-you can't clearly define a solution. You may feel completely discouraged in the danger zone-maybe even hopeless.

How do seasoned entrepreneurs combat against the danger zone? How can you pull yourself back until the optimal performance zone? Easy to say, hard to practice. R-E-L-A-X. For years, I was in the world of sales. I had a rhythm and a pitch and I was good at what I did. But, I was comfortable. The job became routine and I lost a bit of the excitement I had when I first took the role. I have since inherited a role that has really challenged me in many ways. Pushing me to learn new skills and adapt old ones. It pushed me past my comfort zone. I realized it and had to take a moment to get myself back into the performance zone. My tools to do this? Movement and positive self talk. I go to the gym. Hit a long run or book a yoga class. This one hour disconnects me, clears my mind, resets my mentality and provides a bit of clarity in what could be a foggy thought process. I also take the time to talk to myself. Recognizing that I'm going through a stressful, and demanding time. Reassuring myself that I'll be ok. I've been here before, I've survived and thrived. You could do this through journaling, or literally talking to yourself. I know an entrepreneur that records herself speaking positive words of encouragement into her iphone and plays them back to herself when she's feeling over whelmed. You'd be surprised how tremendously powerful your own words are. Maybe your kids or your dog help you relax? Maybe it's baking bread or grabbing some coffee with a friend. As you grow as an entrepreneur you are going to flow in and out of your comfort, performance and danger zones. If you are someone who is constantly challenging themselves to grow (aka an entrepreneur), this flow will never stop. Finding a way to flow like this, is a personal journey of trial and error. And keeping yourself out of that danger zone and in the performance zone is a real challenge. But, consider the things you enjoy doing the most as a great starting point and tool to aid in that process. Set aside 30-60 minutes to practice that daily. And know full well that it's ok to flow in and out of the comfort, performance and danger zones - it's part of the entrepreneur lifestyle. #scratchmade #scrathmadetips #leader #ceo #motivation #motivator #entrepreneur #technopreneur #leadership #startup #smallbiz #smallbusiness #smallbusinesssales #dreams #hustle #passion #mentoring #coaching #inspire #ambition #beyourownboss #businesspassion #business