Comfort zone and goal setting

A comfort zone is a place of security, familiarity, and safety. We may stay in our comfort zone because we feel content and secure there and because it can be difficult to step outside of it.

We should consider our values and long-term goals, and the steps we can take to achieve them. This can help us to create a plan of action that will enable us to move forward within our comfort zone. At the same time, it is essential to recognise that our comfort zone is not an infinite space.

We should also set goals, that extend our comfort zone, and challenge us to grow and develop further. This can involve taking risks and facing our fears, but it is important to remember that it is okay to fail – as long as we learn something from it!

When we first work with participants on a personal or leadership development programme, we spend time acknowledging their comfort zone – such as, what they like about their role, their strengths, where they see themselves in the future – and importantly, what’s stopping them from reaching their goals. We know it can feel safe in your comfort zone. However, by using dynamic learning tools and coaching techniques, we encourage participants to feel safe AND step out of their comfort zone to consider goals they may not have previously aspired to. Don’t let your comfort zone hold you back!

Failure is part of the learning process, so it is important to celebrate our successes, no matter how small. When setting goals outside of our comfort zone, we need to ensure that we have the right support and resources in place too. This may involve asking for help and advice from people who have experience in the areas we are interested in, or seeking out mentors and coaches who can provide guidance and support – it never hurts to ask!

Progress can take time and it’s a natural part of the process to be patient and to give ourselves permission to take things one step at a time.