Go outside your own bubble!

By Katie Bach, Illinois FBLA State Vice President, Southern Area
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“The comfort zone is a behavioral state within which a person operates in an anxiety-neutral condition, using a limited set of behaviors to deliver a steady level of performance, usually without a sense of risk.”

When leaving the comfort zone, fear doesn’t always equate to being in the panic zone. Fear can be a necessary step en route to the learning and growth zones. It takes courage to step from the comfort zone into the fear zone. Without a clear roadmap, there’s no way to build on previous experiences. This can be anxiety provoking. Yet persevere long enough, and you enter the learning zone, where you gain new skills and deal with challenges resourcefully. While occupying the comfort zone, it’s tempting to feel safe, in control, and that the environment is on an even keel. It’s smooth sailing.

Aside from pushing yourself and personal growth, there are benefits to leaving the comfort zone:

• Self Actualization
• Development of a Growth Mindset
• Resilience
• Antifragility
• Greater self-efficacy

These benefit your personal growth, mindset, and social development. By pushing yourself to be uncomfortable in your surroundings you push yourself to the beginning of a new experience of growth.

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