Are you feeling stuck in a seemingly endless comfort zone? Are you ready to make some changes and explore outside of your usual routine? You are in the right place; here is an article that will help guide you through the steps needed to exit comfort zone so that you can at last experience personal growth.
This post will explore
- why do we cherish our comfort zones,
- why embracing new opportunities is crucial,
- what makes leaving comfort zones so difficult,
- how to make the first steps,
- and what incredible benefits await us at the end.
So get comfortable with being uncomfortable as we journey towards exiting our own cozy corners!
what is a comfort zone?
Have you ever wondered “What is my comfort zone”?
Well, in general, a comfort zone is a place where you feel safe and secure. It’s a mental state where you feel at ease and in control. The definition of a comfort zone is different for everyone. Your comfort zone is unique to you and can be affected by:
- your personality,
- experiences, and
- environment.
And while it can provide a sense of security, staying too long in your comfort zone limits you tremendously, to the point that you can’t really estimate realistically how deeply bogged down you are in your comfortability swamp. And that is the scariest thing about it.
Why it is important to exit comfort zone?
Leaving your comfort zone can be daunting, but it’s crucial for personal growth.
Sticking to routine and familiar surroundings may seem like a safe choice, but it produces a stagnant lifestyle. Everyday sameness has a tendency to drain the energy out and make life quality a mediocre blah.
When you exit comfort zone, you:
- create more variability and bring more juice into your life
- make opportunities to grow
- boost self-confidence
- increase creativity
- learn more about yourself (and how awesome you are).
Why it is so hard to exit comfort zone?
Let’s be real – we are creatures of habit. And our habitual mindset makes it hard to break free from the predictable and beloved personal comforts.
It gives us the feeling of control and security, but it’s all an illusion, and you know it.
We fear the unknown and we associate it with stress and anxiety. At the same time deep down we know that we must change something or else we are wasting our life.
But did you know that we are naturally wired to resist change? Our brains are designed to seek out predictability and avoid the uncertainty. That means that exiting comfort zone requires a mindset shift and the conscious willingness to take risks.
It’s not easy, yet, change is the only constant in life, and embracing it can lead to new opportunities and greater life experiences.
Steps you need to take to exit comfort zone
As has been noted, human beings tend to prefer the familiar and comfortable. But as much as we know that we need to move out of comfort zone, oftentimes, we wait until something drastic happens before we take action. Maybe we lose our job or experience an extreme situation that forces us to step out into the unknown.
But we don’t have to wait for those moments to make a change.
1. measure what is inside and what is outside of your comfort zone
What really scares you? The unknown? Failure? No doubt, identifying our fears is the first step in understanding ourselves better. It can allow us to recognize what is inside and outside of our comfort zones and create necessary opportunities for growth.
Take the time to dig in and reflect on your fears. Confront them by making a list of positive and negative aspects of your current life situation. Don’t be lazy, sit down and let your hand write: honestly, without sugar-coating, just the way it is.
2. learn to love your discomfort
When you exit comfort zone you experience a lot of discomfort. But actually, unpleasant emotions are a good indicator that you are well on the way to your self-improvement goals. Bob Proctor said, “If your goal isn’t scary or exciting, then it is not big enough goal for you”.
Learning to love and accept your discomfort can help you grow and evolve. Feeling anxious is perfectly normal when you are about to step into uncharted territory, and it is okay to worry about the future. Rather than avoiding these feelings, embrace them and use them as a catalyst for growth.
You can read more about goal-setting and how to avoid typical mistakes here.
It is OK to feel anxious.
And it is OK to feel fear.
It is OK to be nervous.
And it is OK to worry, too.
So, take a deep breath, welcome all the emotions in your life, and embrace the discomfort.
3. don't overthink your first step
Taking a step out of your comfort zone can be achieved through small and simple actions, without requiring extensive preparation or research. Often, we tend to overthink, but it’s not necessary. Simply take one small step at a time.
I like how Tony Robbins said, “No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.” Remember that next time when you are in doubt.
Your first step can be small and manageable. Maybe it’s trying a new restaurant, or striking up a conversation with a stranger. Whatever it may be, it is all about doing, not thinking or planning.
4.be honest with yourself
Being honest with ourselves can often reveal uncomfortable truths. It is hard for us to admit that we have weaknesses like laziness, tendencies to procrastinate, fears of failure, and insecurities.
We eagerly avoid any situations that can expose us to ridicule, so we mask our vulnerabilities under the shield of excuses, most of which we believe ourselves.
Next time when you are faced with the prospect of doing something unknown instead of giving another excuse admit to yourself openly “I am afraid to do that”.
Being in constant dialogue with yourself it’s so important to be open and check in: what is in my heart right now? Why am I thinking this? What am I really afraid of?
It is only through being honest about our fears and vulnerabilities that we can start to experience real growth.
5. start changing your mindset
You don’t have to see the concept of “comfort zone” as a challenge. Take a different look at it. Think of it as an adventure, as an opportunity to bring yourself to living to your fullest.
Remember that everything is neutral in this universe and only we, humans with consciousness give it tints and hues. In other words, YOU choose what to believe. So why don’t you paint your reality in bright and vibrant colors?
If you find yourself caught up in a negative mindset, take a moment to reframe your thoughts in a more positive light. Flip the script by focusing on what you are grateful for, or simply remind yourself that you are capable of achieving your goals.
Remember, that when you indulge in negative thoughts and feelings, you manifest them into reality, making them a part of your everyday experience. Why would you do that to yourself?
6. Ditch perfectionism mentality
I am convinced that perfectionism is nothing but a curse and that imposing its ideas on oneself is a recipe for disaster.
Obsession with excellence is highly praised and encouraged in our world, but nothing hinders your personal growth more than perfectionism. And if you want to ever exit comfort zone you must abort its skewed ideas and think of every step you take in life as a mean to your personal improvement instead.
I wrote the whole article explaining why perfectionism is toxic and how to let it go.
I promise that embracing imperfection and being willing to make mistakes will open up new opportunities and experiences that you were missing for so long.
7. introduce novelty in your life
As we get too comfortable in our daily routines, strong emotions of excitement and thrill slowly disappear from our life. After that, we are getting used to stability and prefer it over anything unknown.
And then, slowly but surely we get conditioned by so many petty things that even small detours from established routines cause stress in us. Not only does our life turn dull, but we also start to experience anxiety for no apparent reason. It is a pathetic way to live.
That is why it is so important to introduce NOVELTY in our lives as often as possible.
Here is what you can do:
- do one thing you always wanted. We all have long-standing desires for something, certain things that we always put off for different excuses. Take a look at your bucket list and choose one thing to accomplish. You’ll be surprised at how fulfilling it is to finally check off that one goal.
- challenge yourself with learning a new skill. Take an online course – there are plenty of them right now. Not only will it broaden your horizons, but it will also boost your confidence and personal (or professional) growth.
- start doing habitual things differently. Switch things up by changing your daily routines. Take an alternate route to work or switch the order of your household tasks. Try heading down different aisles when you shop or switch your gym for a new one.
8. Start agreeing to things you would say "no" to in the past
Going to an event you’ve been invited to or accepting an invitation you’ve been declining for a long time, or even going to an unknown vacation spot can provide you with the opportunity for tremendous growth and unforgettable experiences.
Even meeting an old friend you were unsure about seeing can lead to positive moments and valuable connections. Exploring new food, people, cultures, and things you never thought you would like can open doors to a better version of yourself you never thought possible.
See every single day as a new adventure and an opportunity to create lasting memories. Don’t overthink what might come from these experiences – just go with no expectations, for the sake of doing it.
If taking risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to an exciting and fulfilling life, why not take that leap?
9. Watch out for toxic influencers
Our surroundings hold powerful sway over us, shaping who we are and what we become. A reflection of our environment, we’re constantly influenced by the people, objects, and ideas that surround us. From the places we inhabit to the relationships we build, it’s ultimately up to us to choose what we let into our lives.
For that reason, I would strongly encourage you to
- clean up your informational space and tune in to sources that benefit you.
- not waste your time reading negative news or following social media accounts that do nothing but drag you down.
- sift through your social contacts and eliminate those with toxic tendencies.
- mingle with right-minded people who encourage growth mindset and personal development
List of specific suggestions you can do to make an exit from your comfort zone
- Attend a networking event related to your interests
- Take a class or sign up for an online course in an unfamiliar area
- Travel to a new city and explore it without predetermined plans
- Try a creative activity like painting, dancing, writing, etc.
- Volunteer at an organization or project that aligns with your values
- Connect with new people through social media or real-life events
- Try a new type of food, cuisine, or dish from a culture outside your own
- Challenge yourself to try something out of the ordinary like skydiving, bungee jumping, scuba diving, etc.
- Spend time in nature and observe the world around you with fresh eyes
- Listen to a new type of music and learn about its history
- Transform your physical appearance through clothing, makeup, or hair
- Take an improv class or join an improvisational theater group
- Spend time alone and give yourself permission to enjoy it without guilt or pressure
- Take time to explore different hobbies and interests, even if you don’t think they will lead anywhere
- Find ways to express yourself creatively like writing, painting, sculpting, crafting, etc.
- Explore spiritual practices from Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and beyond
- Connect with someone who has a different worldview than you
- Travel solo
- Start a small business or side hustle to earn an extra income.
- Quit your current job without a backup plan and take an extended break.
- Take a course in something you’ve always wanted to learn more about, like computer programming or photography.
- Read books and listen to podcasts from people who have accomplished things that inspire you
- Move to a new city or country with no plan other than living there for a while.
Your rewards after you exit comfort zone
Stepping outside of your comfort zone can result in many rewards:
you become more stress-resistant
When you adopt the habit of consistently getting out of your comfort zone, something amazing happens. You become more resilient and able to handle the stresses that come with life’s constant changes. It’s like strengthening a muscle through exercise; the more we push ourselves out of our comfort zone, the more “thick-skinned” and capable we become.
I bet you met people whose life is full of difficulties, hustles, or even tragedies, which makes you wonder how in the world they can still be so positive and happy. Well, now you understand.
So, let’s face it, life is unpredictable and we can’t always control what happens to us. But by embracing new challenges and experiences, we equip ourselves with the tools to navigate those changes with grace.
you live to your fullest capacity
All individuals have a profound desire to advance and achieve their fullest potential in life. No matter what you say, we are all striving for self-actualization.
And as you lie on your deathbed, gazing back on life and reminiscing, it is not the menial daily tasks such as laundry or errands that you will remember, but rather the experiences that challenged you, rewarded you with accomplishments and helped you grow as a person.
Breaking free from the normalcy of life can be exhilarating, and it is during these moments of stepping out that you will discover your true self and come out stronger than ever before. By exploring new horizons, you will always have something to look back on with pride, gratitude, and contentment.
your self-esteem skyrockets
Self-confidence and comfort zones are directly correlated. This means that the smaller the comfort zone is, the less confidence you have in yourself and your abilities.
The more you face your fears and challenge them, the more confident you will become. Being vulnerable, open-minded and adventurous can lead to a life of freedom and possibilities. In the end, you’ll thank yourself for taking the risk – no matter what the outcome may be.
No one ever said life would be easy; it’s full of highs and lows, successes and failures. But trust yourself enough to know that you can handle whatever comes your way.
