“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” John Assaraf
This is one of the many ‘Comfort Zone’ quotes and the one thing that connects each of them is highlighting the need to step outside of this zone in order to explore options, develop ourselves, find opportunities and, most significantly, to grow. So how do you get there and what’s the ‘zone-route-plan’ to get there?
Zone 1 – Our Comfort Zone – Where you feel safe and in control
Zone 2 – Our Fear Zone – Where you may feel lacking in self-confident, find excuses not to do something, and can be affected by others opinions
Zone 3 – Our Learning Zone – Where you deal with challenges and problems, consider different routes and options, acquire new skills and extend your comfort zone
Zone 4 – Our Growth Zone – Where you find and know your purpose, where you set new goals and where you conquer your objectives.
If you want to read more, there’s a lovely article here, written by PositivePsychology.com that explores the zones in more detail.
At Athena Evolve, through our coaching and training programs, we get you to the Growth Zone (that usually results in a ‘pleasant surprise’!)
We are confident in our accredited courses and the impact of our coaching and training programs, but what did YOU say?
A few examples of testimonials from our clients who have completed either our accredited Train-the-Trainer Course or our Effective Management Course (2-day face-to-face courses or 1-2-1 online coaching approach). These testimonials are great examples of stepping outside of the Comfort Zone, gaining confidence to move through the Fear Zone, learning and developing applicable and impactful skills in the Learning Zone and setting great goals and achieving against objectives in that wonderful Growth Zone. It’s on-going, life-long and EVERYONE can do it!. Sometimes, it’s just about getting the handle turning. Oh, and to top it off, it’s always a bonus if you can have a few laughs along the way! 😊
David, an experienced business owner and manager who made a decision to explore how to impart his years of experience and knowledge to others.
“I’ll be candid. I’m not a trainer and went onto the course having no real concept of what was involved. My experience is limited to running a business and chairing a trade association. It’s not in the training sector and, frankly, I wasn’t convinced that training was a way in which I could effectively serve others. From the start, the course was friendly and positive. It was clear that Abi really knows her stuff and throughout the first day she led us through the various stages of teaching and learning and introduced us to the mechanics of imparting our knowledge to others. The second day was less theory and more practically based, getting us to think through and organise the course instruction, culminating in preparing a short topic of instruction and presenting it to others in the group. Throughout the two days, Abi was concise, patient and professional. Each section of the course was presented in a clear and thought-provoking manner and Abi made sure that all the delegates were on the same page before progressing to the next section. The course progressed logically, which is no mean feat given the latitude of the subject. With such a vast subject there is a serious limit on what can be learned on a two-day course. But for me the course did exactly what I had hoped for. It gave me an understanding of the processes of training people with enough knowledge to enable further research of my own. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to think ‘you know what, maybe I can do this’. So a resounding thumbs up for Athena Coaching Solutions from me!
Laura, a business owner with a desire to ‘open the eyes of teenagers’ to ‘future possibilities and career options in her line of business. The obstacle and sticking point was confidence in her ability to teach, train and impart knowledge with the desired results.
“One of your questions was, ‘How will you know when you are receiving value from the training and further coaching process?’ Well I survived my first days teaching, and the course was seen as a success by those attending. I never thought that would be possible, and it basically happened because I applied your training techniques to the method and madness of the day, so thank you!
Darren, an experienced team manager for a large global company recognised that he was sitting in his comfort zone, applying the same skills set that he had developed over time. These were great but he also identified the need for ‘fresh eyes’ and new approaches if he were to develop and advance his career.
“Abigail is an excellent coach who was able to identify, through elicitation, my potential underlying key issues and work with me on the best possible approaches for my specific application. I feel much more empowered going forward, working with teams and my own career advancement. Also, I have been able to apply some techniques at home to improve communication with my children – so a bonus there! I wish I could do such courses and have such communication on a regular basis and would absolutely recommend their services to anyone wanting to unlock and maximise their potential!”
Nick, a company MD and trainer who recognised the need to develop his workforce more effectively. Time for change!
“This course opened up a whole new skillset for me. A well thought out course, giving me confidence moving forward in both how to train those on my courses and, also, in approaches to use with my employees in the workplace.”
We appreciate, value and love hearing your feedback and, most importantly, hearing about the related sustainability of change. This matters.