The Three Zones of Living: Are You Thriving, Surviving, or Stuck?

How to Recognize Where You Are—and Move Toward a Life You Love

Have you ever wondered why some days feel like a slog through mud, while others flow effortlessly? Kristen Butler’s framework of the three zones—Complacent, Survival, and Comfort—offers a powerful lens for understanding your patterns and making positive change. Most people spend their lives bouncing between the burnout of survival and the numbness of complacency, rarely accessing the true potential of the comfort zone.

The Complacent Zone is marked by apathy, fear, and self-doubt. It’s where you feel stuck, disconnected from your dreams, and unable to take action. Butler warns that complacency is often mistaken for comfort, but the two couldn’t be more different.

The Survival Zone is where hustle culture reigns. Here, you’re always busy, but rarely fulfilled. While survival mode can lead to short-term results, it’s unsustainable and often ends in exhaustion or resentment. Butler shares stories of high-achievers who burned out by living in this zone, only to find healing and creativity when they embraced comfort.

The Comfort Zone is a place of safety, creativity, and authentic growth. It’s where your nervous system relaxes, your mind opens, and your heart dares to dream. Butler’s advice: notice where you are, and gently guide yourself back to comfort with small rituals, supportive environments, and self-compassion. 1 3

Want to know which zone you’re living in? Take our quick quiz and get personalized tips for moving toward the comfort zone—your true home for thriving.