Growth Circles

An interactive model of the Zone of Proximal Development. Click to expand capacity.

Capacity
50
The Proximal Zone

We only grow at the edge.
Too safe = stagnation.
Too far = injury.
Stay in the gap.

Zone 1: Comfort

Doing what you already know. Safe, easy, and completely stagnant. No capacity is built here.

Zone 2: Growth

The edge of ability. It requires reach, but not ruin. This is the only place capacity expands.

Zone 3: Panic

Overshooting. Results in injury or burnout. Reduces capacity as the system is forced to retreat and recover.