Chatterbox #306 – Stepping outside your comfort zone
Jun 10, 2023
auto_awesome
Andrew and Anna explore the science of stepping outside your comfort zone, talk about personal growth, and share stories of overcoming challenges. They discuss the importance of pushing oneself to achieve personal development and offer advice on embracing discomfort and language learning.
Stepping outside of your comfort zone leads to personal growth and new experiences.
Being outside of the comfort zone helps build confidence, resilience, and adaptability.
Deep dives
Definition of the comfort zone
The comfort zone is described as the state where one feels secure and comfortable, without being challenged or anxious. It is often associated with familiar surroundings or activities that do not push an individual out of their element. Stepping outside of the comfort zone involves challenging oneself to do something that may cause stress or anxiety, but ultimately leads to personal growth and new experiences. Examples of comfort zones could be one's home or a familiar job where routines and procedures are second nature.
The optimal performance zone and the danger zone
Psychologists propose the theory of three zones of learning and development: the comfort zone, the optimal performance zone, and the danger zone. The optimal performance zone is just outside the comfort zone, where some level of stress and anxiety enables individuals to perform at their best and achieve their goals. On the other hand, the danger zone is a psychological state where excessive stress and anxiety hinder performance. Stepping outside of the comfort zone aims to be in the optimal performance zone, where the right amount of pressure and challenge pushes individuals to learn, grow, and achieve new things.
Importance of stepping outside the comfort zone
Stepping outside of the comfort zone is crucial for personal growth and development. It allows individuals to discover their true potential, overcome fears, and embrace new opportunities. While it can be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing, being outside of the comfort zone helps to build confidence, resilience, and adaptability. By gradually pushing oneself beyond the comfort zone, whether through small or big challenges, individuals can expand their horizons, learn new skills, and achieve personal goals. Embracing discomfort and being open to change can lead to a richer and more fulfilling life.
Stepping outside of your comfort zone can be scary, but it helps you grow as a person. In this episode, Andrew and Anna explore the science of stepping outside of your comfort zone, talk about why it’s important to push yourself, and share their own stories of personal growth and overcoming challenges.
Culips’ Chatterbox series is designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. Chatterbox episodes feature two native English speakers having natural conversations. Listening to these audio lessons is a great way to improve your grammar, vocabulary, and listening skills so that you can build your fluency.
Fun facts
Stepping outside of your comfort zone has a lot of benefits that include personal growth, improved self-confidence, and a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in life. By embracing new experiences and facing fears, you create memorable moments and a richer, more vibrant life.
Expressions included in the study guide
In [one’s] element
Second nature
Sweet spot
To put [oneself] out there
In the long run
In the deep end
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Image: Cottonbro studio (Pexels.com)
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode