How to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into the Learning Zone The zone we mainly live in is called our comfort zone. The comfort zone consists of our job, our usual activities, our loved ones and our routines. We don't necessarily improve upon anything or push the envelope; we just let life happen and stay stagnant. Now, outside of this comfort zone is a place some people consider the panic zone. This is where we “freak out” because we're immersed in the unfamiliar. We’re all familiar with the panic zone. I work with an organization called Toastmasters that helps people grow through public speaking, communication, and leadership. You can always tell who the newbies are — someone who's never spoken to a group of people or doesn't like to be in front of a crowd. These are signs that our brain has shifted into fight, flight, or freeze mode, meaning 90 percent of the brain shuts down. Words that would normally flow during a relaxed conversation are nowhere to be found, and it's a terrible place to be. I've been there; we all have. But just a step or two beyond this paralyzing panic zone is something I call the learning zone. Welcome to the learning zone. What is the learning zone? Many neurologists will tell you that our brains are designed to learn shortly after we’re thrown into a panic zone. For example, let’s say you’re giving a work presentation that just hit a wall, and you’re beating yourself up as a result. Instead of panicking and falling apart, do your best to move into the learning zone. One way to do that is to ask colleagues, friends and family members for help. They can describe what actually happened and help you review the moment objectively. Many times, we'll realize the whole presentation wasn't terrible from outside of our perspective. You can see it all over their faces. Their muscles tighten, their forehead and palms start sweating, and their breathing becomes more shallow.
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