In defense of the comfort zone. (Episode 261)
The word “comfort” has gotten a bad rep.
As someone interested in creativity, I often meet people who say, “To be creative, you have to go out of your comfort zone.”
It’s like comfort now means “complacency, laziness, or lack of ambition.”
But the etymology of the word “comfort” is “com” (meaning “with”) and “fortis” (meaning “strong”)
So originally, “comfortable” was about strength and encouragement.
After all, when we “comfort” someone, we are trying to strengthen them.
So, in these uncertain times when many are stressed and confused, why are we telling people to go to a place outside of where they feel comfortable?
Outside of where they feel strength and encouragement?
Do not “go out of” your comfort zone.
Instead, “expand your comfort zone.”
One of the most important professional decisions I have made was when I, in 2005, decided to stop being “a Swedish speaker”, and instead chose to become “a global speaker” – which had me move to China (and then Singapore).
At that time, I did not focus on all the things that could make me uncomfortable with moving to China and starting a new career.
I focused on how it would help me grow as a speaker and as a person.
That was not me going out of my comfort zone.
That was me expanding my comfort zone.
How do you plan to expand your comfort zone to increase the space where you feel strength and encouragement?
Picture of me in my rowing boat that I upgraded with an electric engine a few years back and which I, this week, upgraded again with a soft, comfortable pillow with a back-rest. A different way of expanding my comfort zone for my daily commute. 🙂
02
Sep