And how to do it, one step at a time.
We are wired to seek comfort and certainty because it means safety and security.
Retreating to our comfort zones can recharge our batteries.
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However, a lack of risk-taking results in a lack of growth.
Eventually, progress plateaus.
But doing so is often easier said than done.
In 1907, psychologists Robert M. Yerkes and John D. Dodson studied the relationship between stress and performance.
Imagine a bell-shaped curve on a graph.
Initially, low anxiety or pressure equals poor performance.
This is how you feel when youre bored or disengagedyoure on autopilot.
When we enter theflow state, we experience intense concentration, spontaneous waves of creativity, and immense joy.
If youve ever seen a musician play live, they often look lost in the music.
At this peak, there are just enough stress hormonesadrenaline, cortisolto wake us up and fully engage us.
It becomes hard to focus or retain information.
“Maintaining the default requires less mental effort and psychological threat than change.”
In other words, the potential costs of change feel more significant than their potential benefits.
Even small acts can lead to increased life satisfaction, Russo-Netzer confirms.
But deviating from whats familiar requires a bit of reflection and self-awareness.
(What you might fight scary and uncomfortable is nothing at all to someone elseand vice versa.)
It could be trying a new workout class or finally learning to play the guitar.
To expand your comfort zone gradually, pick challenges you are genuinely interested in.
And remember, this experience should be an opportunity for you to learn something new about yourself.
Create space for curiosity and engagement rather than judgment.
“What does it mean for you to surprise yourself?
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
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