The comfort zone claptrap

I don't even remember when it started, but suddenly it was there: the comfort zone. Managers, executives, consultants, psychologists, even writers cursed the comfort zone as the place not to be. The hangout for slackers, good-for-nothings, parasites and other losers. Tough guys (m/f/+) live outside their comfort zone.

It won't have yielded that much for the CEOs and shareholders. Toxic work cultures, absenteeism, burnouts. Bankruptcies not excluded. The promise of increasing productivity, connectedness and creativity just won't materialize. But of course, we're never going to admit that. It's a tough story, with all those expensive consultants, workshops and campaigns and such.

Anyone who has lived a life, knows that things are tough outside the comfort zone. Tax assessments, French toll roads in the summer season, sunbed occupation terror on the beach, falling share prices, adultery spouses, derailed children. Enough examples? Nice, huh, outside your comfort zone.

Is this how it happens everywhere, I once wondered as I walked through the corridors of a hospital. Only visiting, fortunately, but the thunderous sermon from the anti-comfort consultant, earlier that day, still haunted my mind. Just imagine.

“Good afternoon doctor, I hope you can help me.”

“Of course I can.”

“Shall I first tell you what my complaints are?”

“You may, but don't worry. I have learned to deal with setbacks.”

“Thank you, doctor.” I feel completely at ease.

“Shall we take the bull by the horns?” The doctor doesn't waste any time.

“I think my gallstones have returned, doctor.”

“No problem.”

“What do you say?”

“To remove them, I mean. Our hospital has a national reputation for...”

“But I don’t know for sure, doctor. About those gallstones, I mean.”

“Um… yes, of course we’ll examine you first. Certainty. Of course, yes. How about the day after tomorrow?”

“For the examination?”

“No, for the operation. I have a slot available on Wednesday.”

“Right… from the sound of it, you’re pretty good at performing gallstone operations?”

“Not specifically, no. But don’t worry. Gallstone operations are standard and the best guarantee I can give you is: I’ll go one hundred percent out of my comfort zone for you!”

“Good afternoon, doctor!”

It’s no different with writing. My thoughts, my brainwaves, my fantasies. They take shape in the nurturing comfort zone of my office. And never let anyone dare to kick me out of my coziness.

You won’t hear me say that the comfort zone doesn’t exist. I even dare to say that it is elastic. And that is the real secret. You can expand your comfort zone. Carefully. That is how I do it with writing. Started with light stories. Gradually, bit by bit, into the depths. Calmly feeling out:

Am I ready for my own opinion on paper? Yes.

My own feelings? Partly.

A piece of autobiography? A little.

A complete part of my life? No.

But that may come someday.

The comfort zone does exist. But stay within it. A rubber band may stretch, not break.