According to Wikipedia, the comfort zone is a “behavioural state within which a person operates in an anxiety-neutral condition, using a limited set of behaviours to deliver a steady level of performance, usually without a sense of risk”. We all have comfort zones in relation to most areas of our lives. Self applied limits as to how far we’ll allow ourselves to go. The tendency to always seek the familiar, the narrow band within which we feel competent, however, can never lead to any new discoveries or growth. It’s just too automatic and easy, and we don’t learn anything or adapt in any way.
But hang on, Sunday club runs are supposed to be about comfort zones aren’t they? A nice gentle relaxing bimble to unwind, riding within the familiar boundaries of known thresholds. Take it easy. A nice gentle spin.
Attendance at our sunday rides hasn’t been very static lately – you never know who’s going to turn up, and by chance the 6 or 7 who turned up today were all stronger riders. I knew I wouldn’t be leading this lot up the hills, but having to work hard to keep up. So be it. As it happened, it was hugely enjoyable and more rewarding as a result.
So there you have it – push yourself out of your comfort zone every now and again. It’s good for you!
Here’s a little video.