Definition of Comfort Zone “…our living, work, and social environments that we have grown accustom too. It determines the type of friends we make or people we associate with. It determines a life style we accept or reject.” “Doing something that you don’t normally do but it doesn’t necessary mean it’s going to be bad or illegal.” Anonymous “Doing something you wouldn’t normally do.” Anonymous

What size is your Comfort Zone? Stepping out of your comfort zone can be difficult for people. It can be harder or easier in different areas of your life. The circles represent the comfort areas that a person can have around them. Where the circles are closer means it is easier for the person to step out of their comfort zone. While the circles that are further apart, means it is harder for the person to step out of their comfort zone. The circle that is closest to the person is thicker representing the difficulty of stepping away from this familiar zone. But once the person steps out of the first comfort zone, the circles get thinner representing how easier it is to step out of one into another.

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone “The term "stretching" is applied to the deliberate stepping out of our comfort zones. It means trying something that seems right and reasonable, but which fear prevented us from attempting. It does not include anything that is obnoxious or likely to hurt another person.” All growth involves some change and in order to change we must attempt new things, which means stepping out of our comfort zones. It means that we have to stretch. In the beginning we may feel a little clumsy or awkward, but with repetition we will expand our comfort zones, perhaps a little bit each time.” “I will step out of my comfort zone today, and "stretch". “ Source:

Stepping Outside of the Organizational Comfort Zone Practice “conscious acts of reflection” –Recognizing and identifying the biases and stereotypes in our minds –Thinking critically about what we were or were not taught when we were younger and in our college experiences Source: Beverly Daniels Tatum, 1997 “The key to personal growth and increasing success in nearly every endeavor is the willingness to step outside of one's comfort zone.” Source: Coach Emmett Hines, 1993

What is your definition of "comfort zone"? “The buzzword "comfort zone" to me, personally, is the inability to take the risk, the chance, to take the path less traveled, to seek a new challenge. We all need a "comfort zone" - it's healthy, to a point. When one gets "locked into" his/her own "comfort zone," it can be detrimental to one's emotional, physical, and professional health. "Comfort zone" - where one needs to be for peace of mind - but not permanently. "Comfort zone" - the area or phrase of life that provides contentment, nostalgia, etc. - as filling as "comfort food" with zero calories and have the guilt!” Anonymous “The area in my life that I feel most comfortable with and experience no anxiety.” Anonymous

What does it take to get you our of your comfort zone? How did you feel before, during, and after? A lot of times, getting out of your comfort zone is due to changes which may/may not be out of your control. Before you leave your comfort zone you're a little apprehensive because you are safe, and you don't know what is going to happen. While you're out of your comfort zone, you become more open to new ideas, thoughts and ways to do things. It might not feel comfortable, but you feel better trying new things. When you return to your "new" comfort zone, you feel great because you have new experiences that help increase your ability to expand your horizons.” Anonymous

You have climbed the stairs and reached the top where you have stepped out of your comfort zone into a whole new environment. Good luck with the adventures that will calm and challenge you.