Thrive Outside your Comfort Zone: The Power of Transformational Learning

Do you ever feel stuck in a routine, yearning for something more but not sure where to find it? The secret might lie in transformational learning. Transformational Learning Theory, proposed by Jack Mezirow, describes learning that goes beyond knowledge acquisition. Instead, it’s a fundamental shift in the way you see the world.

Here’s what the transformational learning process looks like:

Disorienting Dilemma: Breaking Free from the Comfort Zone

Transformational learning kicks off with a disorienting dilemma. This is the moment you find that what you’d thought about the world isn’t the case. Imagine starting a new job only to realize it's not what you expected. This is the point where you feel out of your depth and are questioning whether you made the correct decision.

Critical Reflection: Reflect, Re-evaluate, Reimagine

Critical reflection follows. You reconsider your existing beliefs and assumptions, and begin to question how you see the world. You might realise that there are multiple perspectives and some of your previous assumptions are flawed. In our job example, you wonder about how you formed your view, and conclude that you had made some incorrect assumptions.

Taking the Leap: Action

This is the point at which you realise that to resolve your dilemma, something has to change. You’re keen to move forward. You set about planning, acquiring new knowledge and skills, and exploring opportunities. You take real-world action. This might be identifying and doing the training that will allow you to excel in the new job.

Integration: Embracing the New You

Fast forward to the integration stage, where you’re settled into your new life. You're not the same person you were before; you've evolved. And in the process, you’ve built confidence in your ability to conquer new challenges. At this point, you’re acing your new job, and wonder what all your previous angst was about!

Key lessons

Mezirow’s theory details 10 steps, so the above is a summary. In my view, the key take-home messages are:

1. Embrace new situations: A lot of learning can come from new situations, so put yourself in them! It’s the reason why trying new activities or work experience can be powerful from a career perspective

2. Lean into discomfort: It’s going to feel scary to put yourself outside your comfort zone. However, growth often accompanies discomfort, so don't shy away from the challenge. Embrace it and let it fuel your transformation.