Exiting The Comfort Zone in Retirement

When we are younger, we are often encouraged to push beyond our comfort zones in order to make progress. However, this is much easier said than done. Our comfort zone is a psychological state in which we feel secure, familiar, and unchallenged. It’s a natural inclination for humans to seek this space, but staying too comfortable can inhibit personal development.

Taking risks and stepping outside my comfort zone led to my biggest accomplishments. Although going through a divorce was difficult, it pushed me to make major changes in my life. I was forced out of my comfort zone in a bunch of different directions and it was both terrifying and exhilarating. In addition to single parenting, I faced challenges in a new job where as a team member I was encouraged to speak out in meetings and share ideas. I still recall the anxiety of walking into an industry event on my own searching for a familiar face. There were new tasks, new faces, and ultimately a move to a new city. Every experience out of my comfort zone led to courage for the next one. It wasn’t always smooth sailing. There were failures and setbacks but overall these leaps of faith transformed my life in a positive way.

So what about later in life? Entering retirement often comes with reflection, a sense of accomplishment, and perhaps even a hint of complacency. It naturally feels that by this time we have earned the right to just cruise along in our comfort zone having paid our dues in years prior. But with so much to still conquer, why limit ourselves to the familiar which only serves to hinder further growth and self-discovery?

I started thinking about my comfort zone again after reading a post where a blogger wrote about how, since leaving the corporate world, she felt as though her zone had shrunk considerably. As a writer she was at home more often, interacting with fewer people face-to-face and more over a computer screen. Although this makes sense to me, as I think about my own situation which is similar to hers, I feel as though my comfort zone has only expanded over the years. Now in my 60’s, I find that overcoming so many hurdles in the past 25 years or so has resulted in more of a “been there, done that” attitude.

So now I am asking myself what would take me out of my comfort zone at this time in my life. What challenges could I take on today that could enhance my life?

I came up with a few:

✦ Taking an in-person college class/course: I think I would benefit greatly from a creative writing course. I would love to share ideas and receive feedback. However, acquiring new knowledge, adapting to academic demands, and interacting with a diverse group of peers (most likely much younger) feels like a lofty challenge.

✦ Golfing in a league or tournament: I have been golfing for a while now yet I still do not feel comfortable at any competitive level. I never feel my game is quite good enough and worry about having one of those completely blow-up days that almost every golfer has experienced. But I also think it could be a lot of fun and a way to connect with more women.

✦ Public Speaking: I have had to do some of this in the past and although there is improvement, it is still something I am never excited to do. There may never be an occasion where it is required, especially in retirement, but I think it is still good to feel comfortable with it. I guess you never know when you may be called upon to address a crowd or make a toast at a wedding.

✦ Networking within the blogging community: I have had my blog for over a year and I am still in Blogging 101. I have been in a lone wolf mindset, writing and posting whenever I felt the urge. Reaching out to other bloggers would be a great way to find and offer support and advice. Collaborating and guest posting could be a good way to grow my own blog as well.

In retirement, the comfort zone can be a tempting refuge, but it can also limit the potential for growth and happiness. I keep reminding myself that it’s never too late to explore new horizons or maybe even discover some hidden talents. So, I will strive to keep taking leaps and discover more incredible adventures that await beyond my comfort zone.