Comfort zone

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A Venn diagram of Comfort zone outside of which the optimal performance zone is present. Danger zone is marked in red. Comfort zone.jpg
A Venn diagram of Comfort zone outside of which the optimal performance zone is present. Danger zone is marked in red.

Acomfort zone is a familiar psychological state where people are at ease and (perceive they are) in control of their environment, experiencing low levels of anxiety and stress.

Contents

Judith Bardwick defines the term as "a behavioral state where a person operates in an anxiety-neutral position." [1] Brené Brown describes it as "Where our uncertainty, scarcity and vulnerability are minimized—where we believe we'll have access to enough love, food, talent, time, admiration. Where we feel we have some control." [2]

Performance management

Alasdair White refers to the "optimal performance zone", in which performance can be enhanced by some amount of stress. [3] Beyond the optimum performance zone, lies the "danger zone" in which performance declines rapidly under the influence of greater anxiety.

However, stress in general can have an adverse effect on decision making: fewer alternatives are tried out [4] and more familiar strategies are used, even if they are not helpful anymore. [4]

Optimal performance management requires maximizing time in the optimal performance zone. The main target should be expanding the comfort zone and optimal performance zone.

See also

Related Research Articles

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Defensive pessimism is a cognitive strategy in which an individual sets a low expectation for their performance, regardless of how well they have done in the past. Individuals use defensive pessimism as a strategy to prepare for anxiety-provoking events or performances. Defensive pessimists then think through specific negative events and setbacks that could adversely influence their goal pursuits. By envisioning possible negative outcomes, defensive pessimists can take action to avoid or prepare for them. Using this strategy, defensive pessimists can advantageously harness anxiety that might otherwise harm their performance.

Clutch performance in sports refers to the phenomenon where athletes excel under pressure, commonly known as "in the clutch". These moments can occur at any point during the game, and involve plays that significantly impact the outcome of the game. Athletes are required to summon strength, concentration and any other qualities necessary to succeed and perform well. This phenomenon is observed in many sports including basketball, hockey, football, and esports, but the phrase is most commonly used in baseball.

References

  1. Bardwick, Judith M. (1995). Danger in the Comfort Zone: From Boardroom to Mailroom--how to Break the Entitlement Habit That's Killing American Business. AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn. ISBN   978-0-8144-7886-8.
  2. Tugend, Alina (11 February 2011). "Tiptoeing Out of One's Comfort Zone (and of Course, Back In)". The New York Times. Retrieved 11 December 2014.
  3. White, Alasdair (1 December 2009). From Comfort Zone to Performance Management: Understanding Development and Performance. White & MacLean Publishing. ISBN   978-2-930583-01-3.
  4. 1 2 Staal, Mark A. "Stress, cognition, and human performance: A literature review and conceptual framework." (2004), NASA/TM-2004-212824, IH-054

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