What is your comfort zone? Can you describe it? Is it time to step out of your comfort zone? What does stepping out of your comfort zone look like?
According to Quora.com, The comfort zone (CZ) is related to stress level. If you feel completely relaxed doing something, you are in your CZ. Getting out of your CZ means doing something that raises your anxiety level. It’s about intentionally putting yourself in a situation that, at first, you won’t enjoy. A situation that will make you feel uncomfortable, stressed, hesitant, and/or weak.
My comfort zone is…
- Staying home
- Everybody likes me
- No conflict
- Wearing comfy clothes
- Everything works in my favor
- Writing my thoughts and feelings instead of saying them out loud
It is so easy to stay in my comfort zone and do the same things every day. And if I were content and felt that this was all I wanted in life, I’d be fine. But I’m not!
I get antsy and want to get out of the house.
I know there is a huge world out there to explore, so many experiences, and so many goals to achieve. I’m not ready to settle. But I have to get out of my comfort zone to do that.
As an introvert, I need to work on reaching out to people and doing new things. I love watching friend groups on Facebook go on adventures, I just have to figure out how to balance my alone time with group time.
Your comfort zone might be the opposite of mine, but the same principles apply. So, instead of taking risks, you might need to take care of yourself.
Here are a few things I am learning and the benefits of getting out of your comfort zone
Many people are too laid back and easygoing. You need to have some healthy stress—a catalyst for growth.
Your comfort zone is your natural neutral state.
You hold yourself back instead of challenging yourself to learn, grow, and try new things.
Doing the same thing over and over will not produce change.
You must risk failure – failures and challenges are your best teachers.
Thinking you are small is not helping anyone else – go be BIG!
Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary.
Life is too short not to take risks.
To make the most of your life, you must have new and exciting experiences.
From HuffPost:
- Stepping outside one’s comfort zone is an important and almost universal factor in personal growth.
- We’re wired to seek out comfort, which is why it’s so hard to let it go.
- Embracing new challenges can help you age better.
How to get out of your comfort zone tips
Speak up! Be accountable for where you want to push yourself. Tell your spouse how you feel – tell your family and kids what you want to do. Use them to push you as well.
Block out time for planning something different every day. Whether it is planning a new meal, calling a friend for coffee, writing something controversial, or trying a new exercise. Start with small things that get you out of your comfort zone.
Related Post: 8 Signs Its Time for A New Adventure
Small ways to step out of your comfort zone –
- Unfamiliar music
- New exercise class
- New restaurants
- Different books
- Take a different route
- Dress up or color your hair
- Call an old friend
- Make plans for the weekend
- Get creative with paints, knitting, or dance
- Apply for a new job
- Make a cold call
- Reach out to new friends
- Volunteer
- Speak in front of a group of friends or peers
- Set a new goal
- Train for a marathon
- Have a no-tech Sunday
Letting go of what others think and just doing what you want.
Stop letting fears and anxiety hold you back. Write down what scares you most and try to tackle that. If you don’t know what fears are holding you back, take this fear assessment at the Do It Scared website.
Educate yourself. If you are afraid to take the next step in your business because you don’t know what to expect, read everything you can or ask questions. Be prepared for what might happen.
Revisit your past successes. Remember the courage it took to get you there. You did it then, you can do it again.
Picture yourself doing what scares you. See yourself on the other side of your fear. When you act the part of what you want to be, circumstances will shift until it’s no longer acting. Make this a part of your morning routine.
Acknowledge Your Successes, No Matter How Small They Are! It’s important to take note and celebrate when you try something new and succeed, no matter how big or small the accomplishment is. Acknowledging these successes will help motivate you to keep pushing through difficult tasks. Set yourself up for success by mapping out baby steps so you can see all your progress along the way — and remember that practice makes perfect!
Journal it out!
Here are a few prompts to get you started.
- Describe your comfort zone.
- What is outside of your comfort zone that you want to try?
- When have you stepped out of your comfort zone in the past, and how did you feel?
- What fears are holding you back?
- At the end of your life, what would you regret not trying?
- What is the worst that could happen if you tried something new?
- Write down everything you are scared to do. Which ones do you want to try first?
- What is the best that could happen if you tried something different?
Go to my Resources Page for a printout of these questions. Add them to your Living Marvelously Journal!
If you feel it is time to step out of your comfort zone, use these tips to help you. But one last note: if you go too far and the stress and anxiety overwhelm you, take a step back.
I’m working on expanding my comfort zone. I want to find a better balance between being home and having adventures. But I also know how hard it can be. Take it slowly and step lightly.
How about you?
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Neale Donald Walsch
“Everything you ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone.”
The journal questions are in my Resource Library under Personal Development in a PDF. Get the password now!