One of the key philosophies in Adventure Education is Challenge by Choice which is a concept of providing participants the option of choosing their level of involvement in “challenges” within an experience. At Four Arrows, which manages a Challenge Course here at UConn, we introduce this concept by talking about individual comfort levels. Every person has a set of routines or patterns in their life that brings a sense of comfort and security. For some that is getting out of bed and having a cup of coffee while for others that may be staying up late to finish a personal project (are you a morning person or a night owl). The issue with staying in the comfort zone is you lack the opportunity to truly learn from new experiences.
<– Many of you may have probably seen this image before in some variation.
If not, there is that moment in which you step out of your comfort zone, which we call the stretch or growth zone, where you truly begin learning. This learning can be anything from gaining new skills or knowledge, managing unexpected change, how you function in groups, to much more. Typically there is an ideal peak of “stretching” your zones where you can find your optimal performance. Be wary though, since with too much of a push you may find yourself in an environment of worry overload, which we call the panic zone.
There is a great post written by Alan Henry called “The Science Behind Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone” found on Lifehacker. that can shed some more light on the topic.
How are Bailiwicks like comfort zones?
- Everyone’s is Unique – If you gathered a room full of people and had them all participate in the same exact activity together and then asked them all to fall on a spectrum between comfort and panic zones, you will see each person land in a different spot. Every person comes in with unique set of skills & knowledge as well as limitations and this uniquely shapes their spheres of influence.
- There are limits to the boundaries – You can find yourself spread too thin if you push too hard. The same reactions of being in your panic zone would occur if you don’t understand your own limitations of your bailiwick.
- You have the choice of expanding – Just like the challenge by choice philosophy you have the option of expanding your “zones” or sphere. For the most part your bailiwick is limited to how much energy you put into developing yourself.
- Anything outside your circle/zone can be stressful – Knowing that negative reactions can occur outside of your sphere of influence should tell you to that you need to learn more about yourself or find someone who has the ability to help you.
Try to find your sweet spot when it comes to your bailiwick. Also know when you can help others expand their boundaries too as long as it doesn’t put them in that panic zone.
Mark Flynn
Coordinator of Outdoor Leadership Programs