我们为什么害怕变化：舒适区背后的心理学原理
Why We Fear Change: The Psychology Behind Comfort Zones
For many people, change can be exciting—but it can also be frightening. Whether it’s starting a new job, moving to a different city, or simply trying something unfamiliar, we often hesitate to step out of our comfort zones. But why do we fear change, even when it could lead to something better?
对许多人来说，变化可能令人兴奋，但同样也让人害怕。无论是开始新工作、搬到陌生的城市，还是只是尝试新鲜事物，我们常常会在是否走出舒适区时犹豫不决。但为什么即使变化可能带来更好的结果，我们依旧对它心存恐惧呢？
A big reason lies in our brain’s natural preference for safety and predictability. Our “comfort zone” refers to the set of routines, behaviors, and situations that feel familiar and safe. When we stay within this zone, our brains don’t have to deal with surprise or uncertainty, which helps us feel calm and in control.
其中一个重要原因在于我们大脑天生更喜欢安全与可预测性。所谓“舒适区”，就是由我们熟悉、安全的习惯、行为和环境构成的。当我们待在舒适区时，大脑无需应对意外和不确定因素，这会让我们感到平静和掌控感。
Change, however, introduces uncertainty. New experiences mean new rules, people, and challenges. This uncertainty can trigger anxiety because our minds do not know what to expect. In fact, psychologists have found that our brains often treat uncertainty as a potential threat, causing us to focus on what could go wrong instead of what could go right.
然而，变化意味着不确定性。新的经历意味着新的规则、新的人际关系和新的挑战。这种不确定感会引发焦虑，因为我们无法预知会发生什么。心理学研究表明，大脑常常把不确定性视为潜在威胁，让我们更关注可能出现的问题，而不是潜在的机遇。
Moreover, our past experiences can shape our attitudes toward change. If we have failed or felt disappointed in the past when trying something new, we might become more hesitant the next time an opportunity comes along. This cautious attitude is a natural defense mechanism, but it can also hold us back from personal growth.
此外，过往的经历也会影响我们对变化的态度。如果我们之前在尝试新事物时失败或感到失望，下一次遇到机会时往往会更犹豫。这种谨慎其实是一种自我保护机制，但有时也会阻碍我们的成长。
The good news is that we can train ourselves to become more comfortable with change. By taking small steps outside our comfort zones, celebrating progress, and focusing on the potential positives rather than the possible negatives, we can gradually overcome the fear of change. In the end, embracing change is often the key to learning, growth, and new opportunities in life.
好消息是，我们可以通过刻意练习，让自己逐渐习惯变化。试着从小处做起，走出舒适区，及时肯定自己的进步，并多关注变化可能带来的好处，而不是只担心坏的一面。这些都能帮我们慢慢摆脱对变化的恐惧。最终，勇敢拥抱改变，往往是获得学习、成长和新机会的关键。
【短语积累 Vocabulary Bank】
- fear change —— 害怕变化
- comfort zone —— 舒适区
- step out of one’s comfort zone —— 走出舒适区
- natural preference —— 天然偏好
- predictability —— 可预测性
- feel calm and in control —— 感到平静和掌控
- trigger anxiety —— 引发焦虑
- treat…as a threat —— 把……当作威胁
- defense mechanism —— 防御机制
- hold back —— 阻碍、拖后腿
- overcome fear —— 克服恐惧
- embrace change —— 拥抱变化
- personal growth —— 个人成长
- take small steps —— 逐步尝试
📌文章CEFR 等级： B2–C1 级
👉 关注 水滴英语作文网，让你的字句生辉，惊艳时光！
