The Comfort Zone Trap: Why It Feels Safe (but Isn’t)

Cami
Oct 16
4 min read

What comfort zones look like in English learning.

Hi there!

Is it just me, or have you also been bombarded with so-called “motivational” videos and quotes on social media? A lot of the time, they share a common message: stepping out of one’s comfort zone. I had never really thought about it, but can comfort zones be bad for us? I mean, we all love feeling comfortable, don’t we? Familiar routines, familiar tasks, even familiar words or expressions. But when it comes to learning something new (*cough* English cough 😉), comfort can actually be a bit deceiving…

However, I do want to add a caveat here and say that I don’t want to demonise comfort zones, as they are not always bad… they can help build stability and create routines, which is very important. But too much comfort can also lead to slow or even no progress at all. And we don’t want that!

So, what do comfort zones actually look like when learning English? And how can we step out of them in a healthy and, most importantly, realistic way?

What comfort zones look like in English learning

What is a comfort zone?

To put it simply, a comfort zone is usually the space where you feel safe, confident, and not challenged. Think of someone going out every Friday, but they always go to the same restaurant and order the same thing. It’s comfortable, predictable, but they never get to try one of the other dishes the restaurant offers. Comfort zones can be familiar routines, familiar places, job security over growth, and even avoiding new social situations. Our brains love comfort because that way they can avoid failure and uncertainty.

What does a comfort zone look like in English learning?

Answering this question very much depends on each person individually, so we can’t really give you a specific list. But, looking at it more generally, these are some of the most common signs (there are many more, though!):

Watching YouTube videos or shows in English, but always with subtitles “just in case”
Telling yourself you’ll start journaling, writing on LinkedIn, or joining a conversation group “once your English is a bit better”
Understanding your teacher’s accent perfectly, but feeling lost when listening to someone from Manchester, Ireland, or Australia…
Sticking to the same study materials or apps because you don’t want to feel “like a beginner” again
Avoiding writing long texts to practice because you “don’t like writing”
Attending class, taking notes, but rarely using the language outside of it
Saying that you want to join English classes, a club, or even a course abroad, but always postponing it because you’re “not ready yet”...

*Keep reading this email because there is something I want to share with you…

Are comfort zones bad?

Now, if you felt identified with any of the examples mentioned above, don’t panic! Comfort zones are not always bad; they can help you feel safe enough to practise. The problem comes when you never leave them… It’s fine to rewatch your favourite show in English, but at some point, you need to challenge yourself more. Why not watch it without subtitles? Or find a similar one where the actors have different accents?

Your comfort zone isn’t the problem… staying in it is.

How to step out of your English comfort zone safely

Just like with anything else, making huge, dramatic changes usually isn’t sustainable. Our advice is to take small, realistic steps. For example:

It’s comfortable to speak English in your head, but try saying those thoughts out loud, even if no one is listening
Listening to English podcasts while multitasking is great, but why don’t you try listening to one without doing anything else and writing down what you understand?
Do you follow any English pages on social media? I hope your answer is: Of course @englishlifewithbenjamin 😉. Jokes aside, it’s a great thing to do, but next time, try leaving a comment on the post or even sending a message.
Studying alone and in private is totally fine, but why don’t you try joining a live class where you’re actually seen and heard and can receive feedback? Growth rarely happens in silence…
Reading posts or articles in English is excellent… But you can do more. Why don’t you try reading a whole book? It doesn’t matter how long it takes you; the important thing is that you’re doing it.

Look at it this way: If your heart beats a little faster when you think about doing it, that’s the right kind of challenge!

Common struggles and why that’s a good sign

I just want to say one thing before we continue: I don’t want this to sound like pressure or to make you feel like you’re not doing enough. Progress in English, and in life in general, does not come from pushing yourself constantly. It comes from awareness, curiosity and small and brave steps forward.

Now, some things you might experience when stepping out of your comfort zone are feeling a bit awkward, or even embarrassed or slow. And this is completely normal; it means your brain is adapting! Making mistakes is proof that you’re learning. Just think how your body feels after exercising; it’s the same thing. And the best thing about it: the discomfort fades as your skills grow! 🥳

If this topic spoke to you, you’ll love what I’m going to share next! At The English Life Academy, we’re all about helping learners take those steps out of their comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment. AND next July, we’ll be hosting our immersive 1-week English course in London again! This is designed for learners who want to push their fluency in real situations: conversations, cultural visits, debates, and more.

And if travelling isn’t really an option… Our online academy is open all year round, offering daily group classes, challenges, and a wonderful community that keeps you accountable and also inspired 🤩.

You don’t have to make a huge leap… just one step outside your comfort zone.

Real progress starts when you put yourself in real situations

Reply to this email if you’re interested in joining our course in London.

I hope you enjoyed today’s topic, and please remember, your comfort zone is a nice place to visit, but real growth happens outside of it.

What’s one thing you’ve been avoiding because it feels uncomfortable?

Until next time!

Cami