Have you ever heard of the Region Beta Paradox? It’s a concept that explains why people often stay in situations that are less than ideal but not bad enough to force a change.
Here’s an example from Chris Williamson:
Imagine living in an apartment in NYC. The rent is expensive, the neighborhood is rough, and there’s mold. But it’s only 5 minutes from work, and you like your landlord, so you stay.
Or take a couple in a relationship. The spark is gone, but it’s not toxic. They aren’t happy, but it’s not bad enough to leave.
In both cases, if the situation were worse—if the apartment were unlivable or the relationship toxic—the discomfort would push them into action. But because it’s “just fine,” they stay stuck in a cycle of complacency.
This idea ties directly into basketball. Many players fall into the same trap:
• They’re doing just enough to get by.
• They’re not working hard enough to excel, but they’re not slacking enough to lose their spot.
• They stay stuck in mediocrity because there’s no immediate pressure forcing them to grow.
Now compare that to the player whose situation seems worse—maybe they’re on the verge of losing playing time. That discomfort can become their greatest advantage because it pushes them to work harder, improve faster, and compete with urgency.
Here’s the takeaway: Comfort is often the enemy of growth.
For players:
1️⃣ Ask yourself if you’re truly pushing your limits or settling for “good enough.”
2️⃣ Don’t wait for external pressure—create internal pressure to keep improving.
3️⃣ Embrace discomfort as a signal that you’re on the path to growth.
For coaches:
• Help your players recognize when they’re stuck in complacency.
• Create environments that challenge them to stretch beyond their comfort zones.
The best players don’t wait for discomfort to force action. They seek it out, knowing that growth only happens outside of comfort.
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