Our comfort zone is where we feel safe, not stressed, not threatened in any way . . . just comfortable! Inside our comfort zone are things that feel familiar and easy for us. And what’s outside our comfort zone is different for each of us.

Think about the many things you do without hesitation, like a walk with a friend, or playing a sport of interest—all activities that feel easy and relatively comfortable. While continuing those things is fine, stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to many challenging but rewarding experiences— it’s where the growth happens!

What words would you use to describe experiences outside of your comfort zone? As we move from the known and familiar into the unknown and unfamiliar we may feel awkward, uneasy, fearful, even challenged. But it can also be fun, exhilarating, and fulfilling.

Think back to your first day at a new school or SuperCamp, if you’ve attended. Finding your classroom, wondering if you’ll be accepted by others, or how your teacher might be. In those moments, many of us are out of our comfort zone and possibly experiencing some level of stress. But waiting for us outside of that comfort zone could be a new friend, mentor, or memorable learning experience. Stepping out of our comfort zone, allows us to achieve things we may have never known we enjoyed!

SuperCamp, by Quantum Learning, challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone, like Carisa did. Write down three of the activities that would be outside your comfort zone but, you sometimes think about doing. Maybe it’s trying out for a sport, performing in a show or concert, running a marathon, or even climbing a mountain. Or maybe it’s as simple as raising your hand in class to answer a question, or introducing yourself to someone new.

We may like to stay inside our comfort zone because it’s easy, familiar, and yes, comfortable. Everything outside may seem uncomfortable and perhaps risky. Here at SuperCamp, by Quantum Learning we challenge you to consider this:

• To grow and excel, we must push our inner limits to discomfort.
• Small jumps can drive large leaps.
• Every small step becomes part of your comfort zone and expands it permanently.

And one more thing—it’s important to remember the power of fimage in this process. Fimage is the fear of our image that holds us back from being the person we want to be and doing the things we want to do that will enhance our lives.

No Fimage = No Fear of Image

If we live in constant fear of maintaining our image, life will pass us by. How much energy do we use “acting” that could be spent “living”? Let it go and enjoy who you are. The more you challenge yourself to push out of your comfort zone, the less fimage you’ll experience and the more fun and growth you’ll enjoy!

Going back to your list of activities outside of your comfort zone, review each item you listed and consider how you would respond to the situation with and without fimage guiding your actions.

1. Activity #1:

With Fimage:
Without Fimage:

2. Activity #2:

With Fimage:
Without Fimage:

3. Activity #3:

With Fimage:
Without Fimage:

Think about how often you go the route of the fimage response—it’s easier, it’s more comfortable, you don’t risk failing, being different, or feeling embarrassed. Now think about how you feel when you choose the no-fimage response. Whether or not you make that team, or kick that habit, or get the answer right, you feel good— you’ve moved forward, you’ve stopped worrying about maintaining your image, you’ve grown and learned from the experience. And best of all, you’ve stepped out of your comfort zone! And each time you step out of your comfort zone—into your learning and growing zone—your comfort zone grows and stepping out of it gets easier and easier.

Why not make it a personal project to take one small step out of your comfort zone every day, or just every week if that feels more comfortable for now! Consider some of those things that hover just outside your comfort zone—not those distant big ones like skydiving. Choose things at first that will make you stretch just a little bit, then move on to the bigger steps. When we stretch ourselves and take risks to step out of our comfort zone, we let go of our fimage that in the past has been holding us back—stopping us from doing the things that we want to do, from being the person we want to be. Our challenge is to find ways to be in a continuous state of growth. That’s when we realize our full potential—and we have fun in the process!

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

About the Author: Bobbi DePorter is co-founder and president of Quantum Learning Network (QLN). An early pioneer in the field of accelerated learning, Bobbi’s study and application in the field led to the development of Quantum Learning teaching and learning methods that have inspired and empowered both educators and students for more than 40 years. QLN has two divisions.

SuperCamp is a leadership, learning and life skills residential program for teens that has offered sessions in the U.S. and internationally. SuperCamp has more than 85,000 alumni around the world, many now parents who have sent their children for a similar experience. The Quantum Learning Education division provides programs for teachers, administrators, students and parents in thousands of schools and districts in the U.S., as well as internationally. These programs and the 8 Keys of Excellence character education program have touched millions of young people in the U.S. and overseas. Read More…

Learn more about Quantum Learning Network’s SuperCamp, Quantum Learning Education, and virtual
programs HERE. www.QLUniverse.com