Most people want to be successful, but never stop to think what it will really take to get success in their lives. If it means going back to a night school for 2 years or reading a book every week for about 6 months, would you like to do it? If your answer is “no”, that means you are living in your comfort zone (舒适区).
Psychologists have found that when people make important decisions, they often choose to stay in their comfort zones. That is, they prefer remaining in comfortable, familiar situations, rather than entering into new, unfamiliar ones. This tendency (趋势) is often called the “comfort zone bias” (舒适区倾向). Psychologists also believe that the “comfort zone bias” exists not only because people have a natural preference for what they already know, but also because they avoid taking risks. Sometimes people prefer to make easier choices, the ones that keep them in the comfort zone. But if people only get used to living in the comfort zone, they will never reach their goals in life, unless the goals are just to be very simple.
Then what can you do to step out of your comfort zone? Here are some ways to make the process easier.
◆ Face your fears straight on and overcome them.
This is one of the best ways to get out of your comfort zone. What holds us back in our comfort zone is often a fear. Overcoming fears allows you to widen your comfort zone gradually, making what you fear less uncomfortable and frightening.
◆ _______ ▲
This is probably the most popular way to get yourself out of the comfort zone. If you are going to attend a party where you know few people, then it may be easier to take a friend along. If you have decided to start exercising in the gym, it might be easier if you have a gym-partner.
◆ Use other methods to cheer yourself up.
Positive memories or uplifting music are the right things to cheer you up. Also, you can use your body to affect how you feel. Move in a confident way and you’ll soon feel more confident. Move in an excited way and you’ll soon feel more excited.
So don’t wander aimlessly through your life. Get focused on your goals and try to get out of your comfort zone to live life to the fullest! Success is just around the corner!
( ) 36. What is a comfort zone?
A. A very comfortable bedroom.
B. A beautiful place.
C. Things that make you feel familiar and comfortable.
D. Things that you hate most.
( ) 37. How do you probably feel in your comfort zone?
A. Excited and nervous.
B. Afraid and worried.
C. Comfortable and safe.
D. Confident but stressed.
( ) 38. Which of the following is the most suitable to fill in the blank?
A. Take exercise regularly.
B. Take friends with you.
C. Try to make new friends.
D. Attend parties often.
( ) 39. What can be learnt from the passage?
A. Living in the comfort zone prevents you from achieving success.
B. People have a natural preference for taking risks in life.
C. Getting rid of fears will lead to a narrower comfort zone.
D. Cheering yourself up helps you get into the comfort zone.
( ) 40. What’s the passage mainly about?
A. Living in the comfort zone.
B. Making important decisions.
C. Getting near to your goal.
D. Getting out of the comfort zone.

C
; C
; B
; A
; D