My Journey Beyond Comfort Zone.
“In the safety of our comfort zones, I discovered an unexpected truth: our sanctuary can also be our prison”
My journey beyond the comfort zone was not merely a step into the unknown but a leap into self-discovery, growth, and a world where fear became my compass.
Here’s a brief background: I had posted this image below on my Twitter almost two years ago, and to be fair, ‘The fear zone’ resonated with me so much at that time. After I made that post, I decided to work on ‘The Comfort Zone’.
Recently, as I revisited this snapshot, the magnitude of my growth struck me, and it felt peculiar that the very growth I once craved now occasionally evokes a hint of fear.
In this piece, I’ll explore the concept of “The Comfort Zone’ and share how this image played a pivotal role in pushing me beyond its boundaries.
What is a Comfort Zone?
A comfort zone is that invisible boundary we construct around ourselves, consisting of habits, routines, and familiarity. It’s the space where the mind seeks refuge from the anxiety of the unknown, a psychological cocoon woven with the threads of routine and predictability.
In the Interplay Between Comfort and Fear Zones:
Anyone acquainted with me back in 2020 would recognize that I found myself teetering between my comfort and fear zones. My childhood experiences significantly contributed to this internal struggle. Despite feeling quite comfortable, I harbored numerous fears. Wrestling with low self-esteem was a challenge, yet surprisingly, it didn’t hinder my academic performance — as I graduated as one of the top three students in my department.
Then, the unforeseen arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic altered the landscape. My self-esteem took a hit, and I became resistant to trying new things, frequently resorting to excuses. I must admit, the comfort zone became a source of anxiety, and the prospect of leaving it loomed large. I was the child who lacked belief in herself, focusing solely on survival.
The Decision to Leave:
In 2021, I made the crucial decision to leave the Fear Zone. Fresh out of the NYSC camp, where I faced a near-death experience, I found myself adrift in uncertainty. I was working at a hospital during my service year, and the realization dawned that a permanent position wasn’t in the cards for me. A friend of mine who saw my potential once said to me, “Hassy, you really need to start acquiring new skills; you’re so intelligent.”
After a while, I opened up about my post-camp confusion, he became a source of support. It was during this time that a transformative book entered my life ‘Atomic Habits’ . This insightful read highlighted the significance of habits and how they’re formed. Armed with this knowledge, I embarked on a journey to leave my fear zone, incorporating new habits that became the stepping stones to my personal growth.
From the Fear Zone to the Learning Zone:
Transitioning from the Fear Zone to the Learning Zone marked one of the most challenging phases of my life. The discomfort that accompanied this shift was palpable, and the uncertainties were overwhelming. Everything felt unfamiliar, and the learning curve was steep.
Engaging with books became a pivotal part of my journey. I transformed from someone who had lost all passion for reading to rediscovering the profound impact books could have on my life. In this zone, several key transformations unfolded:
Finding Myself:
Within this phase, a realization struck me — before embarking on any significant learning, I needed to find and understand my true self. This self-discovery journey laid the foundation for meaningful personal growth.
Acquiring New Skills:
The Learning Zone witnessed the inception of my journey into Project Management. This phase became a hub for skill acquisition, spanning from Project Management and Business Management to Product Management. It demanded considerable effort, ultimately culminating in my 360-degree career transition.
Fear of the Unknown:
This phase brought about heightened anxieties. While I had set goals for myself, the path ahead seemed obscured by uncertainty. The fear of the unknown became a constant companion, challenging me to confront and overcome my apprehensions.
Struggle Extending Out of My Comfort Zone:
The journey through the Learning Zone wasn’t without its struggles. The comfort zone, once a source of security, now felt limiting. Pushing beyond its boundaries became a continuous struggle, a battle against the allure of familiarity.
This phase, though arduous, became the crucible in which my transformation took shape, molding me into the person I am today.
The Learning Curve Transitioning into the Growth Phase:
As I traversed this transformative journey, I discovered an expansive realm of self-discovery awaiting me. Despite lingering uncertainties, a subtle comfort began to emerge as I progressed from the learning phase into the realm of growth. Setting goals became a natural inclination, a pursuit of purpose intermingled with the lingering presence of fear.
My sister and friends played pivotal roles in this journey with me as they believed so much in my process. Looking back, it became evident that prioritizing certain aspects was essential for my meaningful growth. This entailed letting go of friendships, creating distance from those hindering my purpose, and redefining my inner circle. Though challenging, these adjustments were necessary for my personal evolution. With a heightened focus on my career, I assumed the reins of my life.
A significant hurdle during this phase involved recognizing the need to distance myself from distractions to unearth my purpose. Amidst the challenges, a delightful aspect unfolded — I rediscovered my lost confidence. This phase was characterized by profound self-reflection, fostering a strong connection with my inner self at every turn. It was a journey not just towards professional growth but a holistic transformation, aligning my life with purpose and passion.
Reflecting on the Journey:
Just a few weeks ago, I confided in a friend about the unease my rapid growth evoked and how scared I was about my growth. It felt startlingly real and happened at a pace that left me occasionally yearning for the comfort of the old me, nestled within the familiarity of her comfort zone. Nevertheless, let’s delve into the notable changes and accomplishments of this transformative year.
Becoming more career-focused, I discovered my passion for Product Management, a revelation that significantly streamlined my professional journey. The very article you’re reading today exists because I dared to step beyond my comfort zone. The Hassy of 2020, who barely understood writing, has evolved into someone who not only journals frequently but also churns out articles.
Part of my OKRs for the year was to challenge myself to write ten articles. Despite initial uncertainties, here I am, a month away from the year’s end, presenting my seventh piece.
I progressed from leading open-source programs to facilitating a product management Masterclass session and even spearheading a product management mentorship initiative — all in the same year.
Reviewing my OKRs, I realized I was on the verge of ticking off every goal — from grounding myself in Business Management to achieving career objectives, fostering mental health, practicing self-care, pursuing spiritual goals, and experiencing financial growth. The comprehensive list of achievements is undeniably intimidating, yet I acknowledge and embrace this growth.
During a recent catch-up with a long-time friend from university, she said to me, “Your growth is inspiring, and you’re more career-focused. I guess you needed that time when you ghosted for long.” I smiled at her words, because I got it.
Looking back, I’ve ventured far beyond my comfort zone, and though I’m not entirely comfortable in this phase — my goals and dreams expanding in tandem — I find this discomfort propelling me toward more significant challenges. The growth may be intimidating, but it fuels my desire for more, urging me to embrace even more challenging endeavors.
Unlocking Potential: Insights for Stepping Beyond Comfort Zones
I understand how relatable this article may be for you, so here’s some few words of encouragement.
As you embark on your own journey beyond the comfort zone, remember that growth is a dynamic process, often accompanied by discomfort and uncertainty.
Embrace the Discomfort: Acknowledge that leaving your comfort zone can be unsettling, but it’s in the discomfort that you’ll find the catalyst for change. Embrace it as a sign that you’re venturing into new, unexplored territories.
Start Small, Aim Big: Begin with manageable steps. Setting small, achievable goals can build your confidence and provide a solid foundation for more significant challenges. Remember, each step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward growth. I recommend reading ‘Atomic Habits’
Surround Yourself with Support: Cultivate a network of individuals who believe in your journey. Share your aspirations with friends, family, or anyone you feel can offer encouragement and guidance. Their support can be instrumental during moments of doubt.
Learn from Setbacks: Understand that setbacks are an integral part of growth. Instead of seeing them as failures, view them as valuable lessons. Each setback brings an opportunity to reassess, learn, and adjust your course.
Celebrate Progress: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Reflect on your journey regularly, noting the strides you’ve made. This self-reflection reinforces the positive changes you’re experiencing.
Define Your Own Success: Challenge conventional notions of success and define it on your terms. Your journey is unique, and success may look different for everyone.
Be Patient and Persistent: Growth takes time, and the process is seldom linear. Be patient with yourself, and don’t be discouraged by temporary setbacks. Persistence and resilience are key elements in navigating uncharted territories.
Reflecting on this transformative journey, I’ve traversed from the confines of my comfort zone to the expansive realms of self-discovery and growth. From acknowledging fears to embracing uncertainties, each step has woven a tapestry of resilience and transformation.
As I pen down these reflections, I encourage you to embark on your own journey beyond the comfort zone If you haven’t.
Embrace the challenges, and remember that growth is not just about reaching a destination but relishing the transformative process. The discomfort you may encounter is the heartbeat of change, and with each beat, you’re one step closer to the best version of yourself. Here’s to embracing the adventure and evolving into the person you aspire to become.
This is one topic that’s very dear to me, and I’ll be in the comments, looking to hear from you, your stories, journeys and maybe provide tips that could help for people looking or struggling to leave their comfort zone.
Wishing you all the best in your journey ✨
