The ability to take risks by venturing out of our comfort zones is how we grow. In actuality, comfort zones are more about fear than comfort. By breaking free and taking the first step, you’ll discover how much you enjoy stepping out of your comfort zone and growing as a result.
Why you should step out of it
There’s a saying that goes: “Change begins at the end of your comfort zone.” It’s easier said than done, of course. Our comfort zone is the place where we feel safe and familiar. We know exactly where we are, and we know what to expect. Why would we ever want to leave this secure space where we are free from worries and anxieties? Why would we want to step outside our comfort zone and into an area that is risky and brings up feelings of anxiety?
Read on for the answers to these questions.
Taking risks helps you grow as a human being. No matter what happens – whether you make mistakes or whether you have to try again and again – experiences build your reserves and give you insight. Take a risk once, and you will find it easier to take it the second time.
Challenging yourself makes you use knowledge, skills and character traits that you didn’t know you had. Stepping out of your comfort zone will help you discover who you really are and what you are capable of.
Each step out of your comfort zone means dealing with change and these changes move your life to another, more profound level. The more changes you make the more transformed you will become, as well as boost your self esteem.
How to step out of your comfort zone:
- Take baby steps. It’s about creating new habits so begin by doing small things that change it up – say yes to an invitation that you would usually refuse. Start a conversation with a work colleague who you don’t know well. Wear something that takes you away from your familiar style. Whatever you chose to do will soon become part of your new routine and will allow you to take the next step out of your comfort zone.
- Change it up. Don’t stick to the same daily routine. Consciously challenge yourself to break those comfortable, old habits you do with your eyes closed. Be spontaneous, be daring, and try something new.
- Pick your people. If you want to take risks and grow, then spend time with likeminded people who also challenge themselves to be better every day. These people will support your dreams, challenge you to move forward and celebrate what you achieve. This will not only help you step out of your comfort zone but it will also boost your self esteem
- Face your fear. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but you’ve been too scared to try? You are scared of failure, scared you will make a fool of yourself, or scared that you won’t be good at it. This is the time to face your fears, take a deep breath, get some supportive people by your side and take the plunge. Face your fear head on. If you fail the first time, brush yourself off and try again. You’ll be surprised and excited by what you have the potential to accomplish.
