The comfort zone is the area in which we feel comfortable engaging with and being present in. Comfort zone is good! It provide us with peace, security, and confidence because we are always able to expect what is going to happen when we are inside our comfort zones. It is easy to dive deep into our comfort zones when we feel uneasy where we feel safe and confident that we never want to leave.
As a self- introvert, my comfort zone is a peaceful morning with a good cup of coffee and while our comfort zones can provide us with much relief from today’s world, it can often prevents us from moving forward, especially when it comes to our careers.
Ways your comfort zone is holding your ambition and career back
- It makes you easily say “No” to a new opportunity
Being in your comfort zone, your subconscious is looking for ways to stick to it. Considering a new opportunity forces you to step out of your comfort zone.
Change paves the way for creativity and gives everyone the chance to rediscover themselves and if you don’t allow yourself to accept a new opportunity now, you may minimize your career chances of growing later.
- It prevents you from growing your network
Networking can be awkward. Talking to new people certainly sits outside of your comfort zone. However, in today’s competitive job market, networking is a very important part. Growing your network of peers and superiors is going to help you down the line in your career. Don’t miss out your next big professional opportunity simply because networking is outside of your comfort zone!
- You’re afraid of failure
Our minds are programmed to fear failure. We all shy away from situations where our success seems unlikely. Being afraid of failure will keep you stuck in your comfort zone. You’ll always focus on what you can do, not what you can’t do. This type of thoughts can often make it easy for bosses and superiors to simply pass over you when considering employees for new projects, tasks, or promotions. And remember that failure paves the way for improvement and growth.
- It will make you feel secure in your current job
It is true that some jobs are more secure than others, but there is no guarantee that there is a 100% secure job. You may think you will keep the job that you have right now. Unfortunately, this thought is false. Think about your current situation for a minute. Are you planning to retire while you are still in this job? If not, that means you will have another job before you retire.
- It stops you from gaining new skills
Doing the same job for a long time, means that you will keep performing same duties and tasks, but if you are considering stepping out of your comfort zone, you’re likely to learn new skills. Exploring new areas gives you the confidence required to keep pushing yourself and recognizing your full potential. Don’t You can continue to learn and grow, no matter what career path you take.