Most of us stick to familiar routines because they feel safe.
Real growth happens just outside your comfort zone.
Real growth happens just outside your comfort zone.
Growth isn’t about leaping blindly—it’s about taking intentional steps that stretch you just enough to see what you’re capable of. You owe it to yourself to explore your full potential.
LET'S DIVE IN DEEPER
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THE CONCERT:
You on Your Best Day welcomed Gavin Davis, our first intern, and Michael surprised him with concert tickets to his favorite rapper. And then, Michael decided... What the heck? I got nothing to lose...and everything to gain. Watch him go outside of his comfort zone. Video made by Gavin Davis. |
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Let's consider your next meeting? Here are a few ideas to stand out. SAY YES! to get your heart racing. What does it feel like outside your comfort zone? Invest one-hour in the upcoming masterclass to gain new strategies. |
Research shows that challenges that stretch our skills—even a little—help us build confidence, resilience, and new capabilities. Neuroscience confirms that our brains actually form new pathways when we push beyond familiar limits and expands your skill set and creativity. Scroll down to read about the research.
TRY THIS WEEK:
Pick one activity just outside your comfort zone. It can be small—a new way of speaking up, a different route to work, or trying a new skill. Notice how it feels and what you learn about yourself
Pick one activity just outside your comfort zone. It can be small—a new way of speaking up, a different route to work, or trying a new skill. Notice how it feels and what you learn about yourself
The Research Behind
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
1. Why Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone Promotes Learning — Psychology Today
A clear overview of how leaving your comfort zone ties to learning, self‑efficacy, and optimal challenge.
2. Why Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone Is Essential for Growth — Goodnet
A well‑written article with psychological context and practical benefits of pushing past familiarity.
3. A Psychologist Teaches Us How To Fearlessly Step Outside Of Our Comfort Zone — Forbes
Includes discussion of a research study on ‘behavioral stretch interventions’ that promote growth.
4. Comfort zone orientation: Individual differences in motivation to move beyond your comfort zone
Scholarly article summarizing how people differ in valuing challenge and confidence.
5. Using a comfort zone model…to build entrepreneurial competencies — Frontiers in Psychology
A full research article on comfort/growth zone models in real learning contexts.
6. Lev Vygotsky — Zone of Proximal Development
Background info from Wikipedia on the idea of learning just beyond current abilities.
7. Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers — Wikipedia
Overview of Sapolsky’s classic explanation of stress physiology, which is relevant to understanding
stress vs. eustress. (the “positive stress” that actually helps us grow.)
A clear overview of how leaving your comfort zone ties to learning, self‑efficacy, and optimal challenge.
2. Why Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone Is Essential for Growth — Goodnet
A well‑written article with psychological context and practical benefits of pushing past familiarity.
3. A Psychologist Teaches Us How To Fearlessly Step Outside Of Our Comfort Zone — Forbes
Includes discussion of a research study on ‘behavioral stretch interventions’ that promote growth.
4. Comfort zone orientation: Individual differences in motivation to move beyond your comfort zone
Scholarly article summarizing how people differ in valuing challenge and confidence.
5. Using a comfort zone model…to build entrepreneurial competencies — Frontiers in Psychology
A full research article on comfort/growth zone models in real learning contexts.
6. Lev Vygotsky — Zone of Proximal Development
Background info from Wikipedia on the idea of learning just beyond current abilities.
7. Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers — Wikipedia
Overview of Sapolsky’s classic explanation of stress physiology, which is relevant to understanding
stress vs. eustress. (the “positive stress” that actually helps us grow.)
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITY
AWAKEN YOUR POTENTIAL!
