How to Find Your Sweet Spot Between Comfort and Growth

Hey, it’s me again. You know how much I love talking about comfort zones, right? Well, I have a treat for you today. I had the chance to chat with one of my favorite hosts on this topic. We had such a fun and inspiring conversation. We talked about comfort zones, how they can support and limit us, and how to break into and out of them. This is one of the best episodes I’ve ever done. I’d love to hear your thoughts and what else you would like to know about comfort zones.

Here you go –> the audio interview

If you are more of a visual person, then you may read the transcript:

Hey everyone, I’m here with Rasha Alajouz, a comfort zone coach specializing in helping women and girls step in and out of their comfort zones. Rasha, thanks for joining me today.

Thanks for having me!

I’m so excited to be here today with you to talk about comfort zones. So, Rasha, let’s dive in!

First, what inspired you to talk about comfort zones, and what does the concept mean to you?

You know what? Comfort zones are like comfort blankets that we wrap ourselves in. They make us feel warm and fuzzy, but sometimes they can also keep us from trying new things. I’ve been a comfort zone hopper for as long as I can remember. It made me who I am today. A comfort zone is basically a happy place in your head where you feel like nothing can go wrong.

Wow, that’s cool! But wait, does that mean there are different kinds of comfort zones? How do you know which one you’re in, and what do they look like?

Yep, there are. A real comfort zone is a place where you feel comfort and happy, and it’s a place where you can relax and be yourself. It’s a place where you know the drill, and you feel like you can rock it. Your real comfort zone is a wonderful place where you can shine, grow, and chase your dreams. It’s a place of power, to own your feelings, face your fears, and feel good but still eager to grow. A fake comfort zone, on the other hand, is a place where you feel stuck and unhappy, and it’s filled with doubts and worries and doesn’t help you grow or learn anything new. It’s more about habit than comfort.

An example of a real comfort zone might be hanging out with your besties and your fam, while an example of a fake comfort zone might be binge-watching Netflix all day long.

Fascinating! So then, can comfort zones turn into danger zones if we stay in them for too long, and if so, how?

Absolutely. When we stay in our comfort zones for too long, we can become stuck and miss out on chances for growth and learning. We might also become scared of trying new things or taking risks, which can ultimately keep us from reaching our goals. So, a real comfort zone can become fake if you stay in it too long. This can happen when you become lazy, stale, or bored with your current situation, even though you’re technically still within your comfort zone. The key is to regularly check in with your goals, values, and priorities, and to be open to new challenges and opportunities that might pop up.

That makes a lot of sense. So, what are some things that someone can do to step out of their comfort zone?

Well, there are tons of things you can do, but some examples might include picking up a new hobby, enrolling in a class, or simply daring yourself to do something that makes you a little nervous each day.

And how can someone tell if they’re in a real comfort zone that supports their well-being?

You can tell by how you feel and what you do. A real comfort zone that boosts your well-being is one where you feel comfort and happy, but it’s also a place where you can challenge yourself and grow. It’s a place where you embrace your power and vulnerability, your fear with courage, and your doubt with confidence. You might feel a bit uneasy at times, but ultimately you know that you’re taking steps towards becoming the best version of yourself and living your best life.

Awesome tips! Now, can someone go back to a real comfort zone after stepping out of it, and is it essential to do so?

Yup. It’s good to keep in mind that leaving your comfort zone is not a one-time thing. It’s a journey; sometimes, you might need to go back and chill in your comfort zone to relax, recharge and regroup before moving on to your new goals. You can always return to your comfort zone whenever you need to, but it’s good to remember that your comfort zone may have changed after you’ve left it.

So, it’s totally okay to return to a real comfort zone after leaving it. In fact, it’s good to do so because a real comfort zone is a place where you feel safe and loved, and that’s good for your overall happiness. However, when you do return to your comfort zone, remember that it should still help you grow and improve. You don’t want to get trapped in a fake comfort zone.

Cool. So, what are some common myths or misunderstandings about comfort zones that you would like to clear up?

One myth is that comfort zones are always bad, but that’s not true. As I mentioned before, real comfort zones can be a great place to chill and be yourself. It’s a good thing. It feels safe and comfort. So, check in with yourself to see which comfort zone are you in.

Another myth is that stepping out of your comfort zone has to be a huge, life-changing event, when it can be something tiny like trying a new food or taking a different route to work. And It’s not always about doing something crazy and dramatic. It’s about doing something that challenges you and spices up your usual routine.

Another myth is that stepping out of your comfort zone is always scary. This is also not true. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary, but it can also be fun and exciting. It can help you to grow and learn.

Totally. So, how can stepping out of your comfort zone lead you to growth? And what are some perks of doing so?

You know what’s awesome? Doing something that scares you or you feel a little bit nervous of. Why? Because it helps you feel more confident, learn new stuff, and understand your fears and struggles. It also helps you see things in a new way and try new things, leading you to become more successful and happier in life. Doing something out of your comfort zone helps you grow because it shows you how amazing and capable you are. You also learn to be stronger and more adaptable, which can help you with everything in your life. There are so many perks of doing something out of your comfort zone, like more confidence, more creativity, and better relationships.

You know what they say, right? No pain, no gain! If you want to grow, you gotta step out of your comfort bubble and face some challenges!

Well, I don’t think you always HAVE to leave your comfort zone to grow and glow. No pain is needed here. There are many ways to learn and improve, and sometimes the best thing can be to just chill and be happy with yourself. But hey, sometimes it’s fun to try something new and see what happens. You never know what you might discover or learn along the way!

Then what do you think of this “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”? or “You start to live when you leave your cozy zone”?

It may sound tempting, but it’s not the best advice for everyone. Like I said, some people have everything they need and want in their comfort zone, while others crave new challenges and adventures. In the end, it’s your choice what kind of life you want to live. And you should be aware of what kind of comfort zone you’re in. Is it a place where you feel safe and comfortable, or is it a place where you feel stuck and bored? Don’t let a catchy phrase dictate your life. Find your own balance between comfort and growth.

For sure. So, how can someone find the sweet spot between comfort and growth then?

It’s all about finding the right balance. You don’t want to always be leaving your comfort zone, but you also don’t want to get too cozy and lazy. It’s good to challenge yourself in small ways on a regular basis. This can be as easy as taking a different way to work or trying new food. By doing this, you’ll keep growing and improving without feeling stressed out.

That’s awesome advice, Rasha. Lastly, what tips would you share with someone who is finding it hard to leave their comfort zone and try new things?

My advice would be to start small. Don’t try to do something huge and scary right away. Instead, try something that makes you a bit uneasy, but not totally freaked out. Also, remember that it’s okay to fail. Failure is a part of growth and improvement, and it’s how we learn. So, don’t be scared to try something new, even if you’re not sure you’ll nail it. And make sure you’re stepping out of a real comfort zone; a place of support and strength.

Great, Rasha. And now, for our silly questions segment. Can I wear my sleepwear in my comfort zone?

Sure! Your comfort zone should be a place where you can be yourself and feel comfy. If that means rocking your sleepwear, then go for it!

Can I bring my pet to my comfort zone?

For sure! Pets can be a great source of cozy and friendship, so if your pet makes you feel more comfy in your comfort zone, then go ahead, and bring them along. I love cats, and they always manage to sneak into my comfort zone.

And finally, can I have pizza in my comfort zone?

Totally! Pizza is yummy and can be a great comfort food. Just make sure you don’t have it every day, or it might become a fake comfort zone!

That’s a great point.

In the end, I would like to say it’s also good to find ways to make leaving your cozy zone more fun. One way to do this is to find a buddy or a group of people to support you. You can also try to make the experience more fun by setting small goals for yourself and rewarding yourself for reaching them. Leaving your comfort zone can be a scary thing, leaving the familiar to the unfamiliar, but it’s also a great thing. It can help you to grow, learn, and live a more awesome life. Your best life.

Thank you, Rasha; it was awesome having you today. It made me rethink comfort zones in a whole new way. It totally changed how I look at them.

You’re welcome. The pleasure is all mine.  Keep shining, and living your best life.

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