Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Is it time to get out of your comfort zone?
Comfort zones are great. They're familiar, secure places where we feel at home and comfortable. But sometimes, it's time to get out of your comfort zone and experience something new. Here are some common reasons people stay in their comfort zones:
You've always done it that way.
It's easy to get stuck in your comfort zone. After all, why would you want to leave when you're comfortable and not being challenged? But if you always stay in your comfort zone, how can anything change? If there is no change in your life, nothing will grow or improve--and ultimately, this means stagnation and mediocrity at best. Who wants that? Challenge your status quo!
It's too much work.
You're feeling a little overwhelmed. You've been in your comfort zone for so long, and now you have to change? How will that even be possible?
The answer is simple: one step at a time. Do what works for you at whatever pace feels right for your body and mind. If something specific about the change makes it hard for you (e.g., learning new skills), break down those parts into smaller pieces until they become manageable enough to tackle without feeling overwhelmed or defeated by the whole thing. Even baby steps move you forward!
It's scary.
You're scared. It's okay to admit that, but there's nothing wrong with being scared. The more you do something and get used to it, the less scary it becomes. Getting out of your comfort zone is good for you! Often you look back and wonder what you were so scared of, to begin with.
What if I fail?
Let's face it: failure can be frightening. We all try to avoid it at all costs, but what happens when you fail?
What if you tried something new and it didn't work out? What if you put yourself out there and get rejected by someone? What if something goes wrong while trying something new or feeling awkward about being so different from everyone else?
Many people have these valid concerns when getting outside their comfort zones. The fear of failure can hold us back from doing things that could improve our lives significantly. We learn more from failures than we do from successes.
There are benefits to leaving your comfort zone.
You'll grow and learn new things.
You'll learn more about yourself.
You'll make new friends.
You'll expand your horizons.
It's a good way to challenge yourself, especially if you're feeling stuck in a rut or bored with life and could use some excitement in your day-to-day routine!
Working under pressure is also an important skill for personal growth in general--it teaches us how our brains deal with stress and some valuable lessons about ourselves that we might not otherwise know without having pushed ourselves out of our comfort zones.
When you're stuck in a rut, it's time to leave your comfort zone. Take a chance and try something new! You never know what opportunities might await you on the other side of discomfort or fear.
In the comments, let me know what comfort zone you need to get out of or what you will challenge yourself with that is outside your comfort zone.
