Neha refers to Senninger’s (2000) model about learning zones, which differentiates between a comfort zone, a learning zone, and a panic zone. Similar to Senniger’s model is Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory, which highlights the power of experiences finding that balance between the challenges of our current situation and the skills we have to meet those challenges.

Further Readings on the topic

• Beard, K.S. (2015) Theoretically Speaking: An Interview with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi on Flow Theory Development and Its Usefulness in Addressing Contemporary Challenges in Education. Educational Psychology Review, 27, 353–364.
• Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: the psychology of optimal experience. New York: Harper and Row.
• Friedman, R. (16 December 2014). Why work should get a little harder every day. Harvard Business Review.
• Lovejoy, C. (2018). The benefits of reflection and role models in learning medicine: An interview with Dr. Paquita De Zulueta. Cambridge Medicine Journal, 1-3.
• Senninger, T. (2000). Abenteuer leiten – in Abenteuern lernen. Münster: Ökotopia.

Marie-Louise’s views on having it all have been echoed by others, with former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama highlighting it as myth in 2018.

• Salam., M (7 December 2018) Does ‘having it all’ mean doing it all? The New York Times.