Going Home to the Comfort Zone
5 Surprising Ways the Comfort Zone Supports Change Management
As the chill in the air intensifies and holiday lights begin to twinkle, many are gearing up to revisit their roots, be it their hometown or their cherished circle of family and friends. This journey often beckons us towards the inviting arms of our comfort zones. But for those leaders constantly championing change management and growth – leaders like you who are all about moving forward and taking action – is this backward journey advisable?
Contrary to the prevailing wisdom that “Everything you want is outside of your comfort zone,” there’s merit in occasionally stepping back into it. Think about how refreshing summer break was after an intense college semester. Rigorous academic demands often taxed your mental health and self-esteem, much like the demands of modern leadership roles. Summer break offered an opportunity to relive the familiar – reuniting with old friends, savoring home-cooked meals, and enjoying the luxury of laundry without quarters (or perhaps parents who willingly do your laundry) – and offer a much-needed chance to recharge and reset.
“The Humanized Leader” teaches that life is all about growing and expanding. It’s taking risks that help you learn and become better. But what if you’re simply worn out by the weight of continual progress? Is it permissible to momentarily relive the joys of yesteryears and have fun like you did when you were younger?
The answer is a resounding YES!!
Revisiting your comfort zone can act as a catalyst in your journey as a Humanized Leader. Here are 5 key benefits for slowing down before you venture forward.
- Stress Relief: Returning to your comfort zone can release the steam on the pressure cooker. You get a break from the challenges and pressure of an unknown situation, and you get to recharge and refresh.
- Reconnection: You can reconnect with your roots, family, and friends in a tried-and-true familiar way. These connections provide you with emotional support and a sense of belonging.
- Self-Awareness: Returning to the familiar surroundings allow you to think about your journey and assess your personal growth. See how far you’ve come and see what aspects of your comfort zone still serve you.
- Learning: Often, it’s only by leaving your comfort zone that you realize the value of certain aspects of it. How many have thrown away family traditions in their 20’s only to re-embrace them in their 40’s? When you return to the zone, you can sift and sort to learn what works for you and what is no longer useful.
- Balance: Periodically returning to your comfort zone helps you create balance in your personal and professional life. Sometimes you need to slow down to move fast. Sometimes it’s all about growth and others it’s all about rest. You get to decide.
Remember, going back to what is familiar means you don’t have to think too hard; you can just be yourself. And it’s a chance to find out what doesn’t work for you anymore and how you can change things for the better in your relationships or in how you act.
However, it is important to strike a balance. Although the allure of comfort zones is undeniable, moderation is key. Consistent immersion in the familiar can hinder growth. It’s essential to view these returns as restorative pauses, not perpetual states. If you remain staunchly in what is tried and true, it can stop you from growing and learning.
So, is it ever OK to return to your old comfort zone? Of course, it is. Diving back into the comfort zone isn’t just permissible; it’s advantageous, particularly as a way to recharge for another round of change management. But, as with all things in life, it’s about striking the right balance. Embrace the past, but don’t let it anchor your future.
Mary Pat Knight is CEO of Leaders Inspired an executive coaching and consulting agency devoted to the development of emotionally intelligent leaders. She is also the author of the Amazon #1 International Best Selling book, The Humanized Leader.
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