Why it’s okay to stay in your comfort zone

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

I recently moved back home after completing my national youth service, and home is what I call my comfort zone. Here, I don’t worry about paying most of the bills or navigating the constant stress of figuring out my next meal. It’s a place where things are predictable and familiar, giving me room to breathe and think. Some people might look at this and say, “You’re limiting yourself.” They argue that staying in your comfort zone means you’ll never improve, but I believe that’s not entirely true. In fact, I think a comfort zone, if used wisely, can be a great launching pad for growth.

When people talk about comfort zones, they often imagine them as cages. But I see mine more as a garden—a place where I can plant, water, and nurture my ideas without the chaos of unnecessary distractions. Being at home right now gives me clarity. Without the constant weight of bills and survival, I have the mental space to reflect on my goals and think about how to move forward. If anything, staying here is not a sign of complacency; it’s a calculated decision to ensure that my next step is purposeful.

It’s funny how society has conditioned us to believe that you’re only serious about life if you’re constantly grinding, hustling, and stressing. But is that really true? Take Tunde Onakoya, for example. He’s someone who achieved remarkable things from a place that many would consider too small or limiting. His work in transforming lives through the Chess in Slums initiative began from humble beginnings. He didn’t wait to move to some grand location before starting his impact. He proved that you can do great things even when you’re in a so-called “comfort zone.”

The truth is, comfort zones are subjective. For someone else, my home might not feel like a comfort zone at all. It’s not the place itself that defines it but how you use it. Anywhere can become a comfort zone if it allows you to pause, reset, and prepare for your next chapter. And staying with your parents temporarily doesn’t mean you’re stagnant. Sometimes, it’s just a strategic choice to save resources or gain perspective.

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I’ve also come to understand that stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t have to mean abandoning it entirely. It could be as simple as challenging yourself within the space you’re already in. For example, I’ve been using my time at home to explore new skills and reflect on my career ambitions. Sure, I’m not in a bustling city or working at some high-powered job right now, but that doesn’t mean I’m not growing.

I’m not saying we should stay in our comfort zones forever or use them as an excuse to avoid challenges. There’s value in stepping out when the time is right. But I believe it’s okay to embrace your comfort zone temporarily, especially if it helps you focus on the bigger picture. What matters is your mindset, not where you are.

So, if you’re like me, and you’ve found yourself in a place that feels comfortable and safe, don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about it. Use that time wisely. Rest, reflect, and prepare for what’s next. After all, greatness can start from the smallest, most unexpected places. Sometimes, staying put for a while is the bravest thing you can do.