I was inspired to write this entry after reading the following Facebook update from an old school colleague:

You must move out of your comfort zone - isn't that the same as spending your life doing things you hate?

It got me thinking about why I present the Comfort Zone/Learning Zone material in my workshops, and that, yes, maybe I am asking people to do stuff they hate......or not......

I think the key difference here is, for what purpose are you stepping out of your comfort zone.

I agree, that there are times when the comfort zone is exactly that.  A comfortable, cosy place to hang out, where you know where stuff is, and there is minimal effort required.  Bit like your own house.  In most cases you don't need to think too hard about where things are, you have your own comfy couch, and favourite books/movies/music.

I suppose I think about getting out of my comfort zone if I feel I'm being held back by my own limitations or fears....or....when I am deliberately avoiding my learning zone (the zone outside the comfort zone).

It's about when there is something you seriously want to do, but the first step is daunting....useful to simply recognise this as the boundary between comfort zone and learning zone.  And to quote my teenage daughter, time to "suck it up, princess!".

I whole heartedly disagree with "You must move out of your comfort zone".  Puhleeeeeeze....this just has me saying "says who?".

How about something like.......It can be useful to step out of your comfort zone......like when you have a clear outcome or purpose.

In a learning context, stepping out of your comfort zone is really useful.

Otherwise, it might just be someone trying to get you to do something you really hate!