“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone,” is a thing lifestyle bloggers are fond of posting on various corners of the internet. But here’s a counterpoint, from Megan Daum’s new book of essays, The Unspeakable: And Other Subjects of Discussion (that I found via Bella DePaulo on Psychology Today): Just go ahead and stay in your comfort zone. Nestle in and add a few more cozy blankets while you’re at it.
From one of the essays:
I’m convinced that, when handled responsibly, the comfort zone can be as useful and productive as a well-oiled industrial zone. I am convinced that excellence comes not from overcoming limitations but from embracing them.
… The key to contentment is to live life to the fullest within the confines of your comfort zone. Stay in safe waters but plunge as deeply into them as possible. If you’re good at something, do it a lot. If you’re bad at something, just don’t do it. If you can’t cook and refuse to learn, don’t beat yourself up about it. Celebrate it. Be the best noncook you can be. When asked to bring a side dish to a dinner party, go to the supermarket and get the nicest prepared dish you can afford.
Know your strengths and dig into them, she’s arguing. At the same time, be honest with yourself about your weaknesses, and figure out ways to work around them. People can only change so much, after all.
