Respectful Vigilance HC

This is a model that is in the creation process, so there may be a few things to work out, but I think it can be a good way to look at these things. So many things work out better when we understand them in a meaningful way.

This is a model that I have named the “Comfort-Challenge-Danger Spectrum”

Many people have heard the phrase “The comfort zone.” Often times this can be viewed as a negative thing by people who are very proactive and determined. There is that old phrase “Life begins outside of your comfort zone.” There is possibly some truth to this, but I have a model that makes sense for me and hopefully can teach others as well. I have identified 3 different states of being that people can reach.

1. The “Comfort Zone.” This is exactly what it is described as. It is a place that you feel most comfortable. This could be a literal place. Can be people. Can be foods. A warm bed. These could also just be things that you were conditioned with or have become used to. Things move slower here. They are gentler. This is a normal state of being.

2. The “Challenge Zone.” Think of this as the zone just outside the comfort zone. But it is outside of it. These are things that are not as pleasant or comfortable doing but yield great results sometimes. This could be exercising. Eating those green vegetables you don’t like. Speaking up on something that you know will ruffle some feathers. It could be getting up early so you can work on some things. By definition, the “challenge zone” is not something you can sustain too much of. For instance, you are not going to exercise for 10 hours a day. The challenge zone is very activating and stimulating, but eventually you will have to go back to the comfort zone to rest and integrate.

3. The “Danger Zone.” For some reason I remember the theme song “Welcome to the Danger Zone.” This place is exactly what it sounds like. When you enter this level of exertion or types of behavior that become dangerous you are entering the realm of risk and gambling. This is a place that I do not recommend really going. Not that there could not be rewards here. Danger zone would be driving the car 100 mph to get an adrenalin rush. Going to a place that you know bad things happen sometimes. Saying something to a person that could lead to violence. You have to be extremely careful and thoughtful about entering into the danger zone. It will be different for each person.

So what is the recommendation?

Basically, what I think is that people should spend time in the comfort zone AND the challenge zone most of their time. If you refuse to leave the comfort zone, you are going to miss out on a lot. If you are always in the challenge zone you will end up burning out, getting stressed, and miserable. So, the key concept is to use the comfort zone as your safe place to build, do basic things, rest, etc. Use the challenge zone for growth and change. Advise serious caution entering the “Danger Zone.” By nature, there are inherent risks in this place. There may be rewards but each person will need to figure that out for themselves.

To summarize, I think this model is a good one to ponder. Life requires us to shift from each of these zones. Hopefully danger is not a common thing where you are. Use the comfort zone. Use the challenge zone. They are both useful and necessary to have a great Life.