In this post, I continue our 2026 as a year of positive thought and imagination theme by looking at what can happen when we extend our comfort zones.

Those who attain the greatest goals and are happiest in who they are and what they do are the ones who are not just willing, but also energized to go beyond their comfort zones – to stretch themselves to do things they have never done before. They are not afraid of the temporary setbacks that often accompany such attempts, but use them as learning opportunities to move forward.

The noted author Truman Capote, whose books include In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, said, “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”¹ What Capote meant is that attaining a goal is more fulfilling when one works hard for it, goes to new lengths to achieve it, and even faces a setback now and then.

Research confirms that people are happier and more fulfilled when they reach beyond their comfort zones.

Actress Geena Davis said, “If you risk nothing, then you risk everything.”² Risk is a reality that is unavoidable to achieve the highest goals and greatest dreams. The key is in being smart about the risks taken and moving forward from both success and failure. Stay locked in your comfort zone, Davis is telling us, and you risk all that might have been if you pushed yourself to greater heights.

Comfort zones provide certainty, and that is something we often require in life. We are certain of various things that enable us to go about our days free of worry or anxiety. At the same time, though, being uncertain about something but going after it anyway stretches our imagination, determination, and effort.

People can be so careful about remaining in their comfort zones that they miss the opportunities before them and never reach their potential. They are stuck in the mud that prevents them from achieving the goals they would like to attain. It’s never a good idea to take reckless risks that can likely lead to injury, damage, or loss of life. But being frozen in place when the risk is calculated, probability of success is high, and the downside is not severe prevents accomplishment, satisfaction, happiness, and fulfillment.

The great American actor John Wayne, known for his strength and swagger, said, “Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway…I don’t believe in shrinking from anything. It’s not my speed; I’m a guy who meets adversities head on.”³

In a 2023 Russo-Netzer and Cohen research study, “while 41 percent of the ‘comfort zone breakers’ expressed feelings of fear, 70 percent described their feelings of courage at breaking out of their comfort zone. In fact, facing a fear was a strong motivator for many of the participants in their choice of activities.”⁴

According to Suzanne Degges-White, Ph.D., it is possible to build the confidence needed to move beyond personal comfort zones. Her suggestions include: focus on the outcome and benefits of being courageous; prepare by considering the worst-case scenario of the situation and the best way to respond; use visualization to see success rather than failure; celebrate successful steps along the way to the goal; commit to being optimistic and hopeful, but prepare for setbacks and adjust tactics as events unfold; and revisit prior accomplishments. Dr. White also advises connecting with others who have already accomplished what you are attempting to do.

So, stretch your comfort zone, but have a plan in place when you go into new territory.

REMEMBER

◊Actor Tom Hanks is among those credited with saying, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.”⁵ It is often the challenge or difficulty in reaching a goal that makes it great and fulfilling.

◊ This blog post is an excerpt from Dave’s upcoming book manuscript, Take This With You…100 Messages to Accompany You on Your Life Journey, that is currently being edited. Visit www.davidajolley.com for additional blog posts, other interesting content, and updates on future book releases and appearances.

1. Capote, Truman, Brainy Quote; www.brainyquote.com/authors/truman-capote-quotes ↩︎
2. Davis, Geena, Brainy Quote; www.brainyquote.com/authors/geena-davis-quotes ↩︎
3. Wayne, John, Brainy Quote, www.brainyquote.com/authors/john-wayne-quotes ↩︎
4. Degges-White, Ph.D., Suzanne, Lifetime Connections; Don’t Let Your Comfort Zone Be a Barrier, June 7, 2024 ↩︎
5.  Hanks, Tom, Brainy Quote; www.brainyquote.com/authors/tom-hanks-quotes ↩︎