When was the last time you challenged yourself to step outside of your comfort zone? I for one think that this is something that we as humans should constantly be doing. You don’t grow inside your comfort zone. In fact, staying in one’s comfort zone is the equivalent of taking 10 steps backward.
We each have our own “comfort zones.” Comfort zone is a physiological, emotional, or behavioral construct that defines the routine of our daily lives. In essence, being in your comfort zone implies familiarity, safety, and security. If I’m being honest, I hate sticking inside my comfort zone and for me, it may be an ego problem. The fact that I hate to feel bored and to combat that boredom I always have to challenge myself. To do that, I have to constantly step outside of my comfort zone.
While creating a comfort zone is a healthy adaptation for much of our lives, so is stepping out of our comfort zones. When it’s time to transition, grow, and transform, you need new experiences, challenges, and risks. Unfortunately, what we fear the most about challenging ourselves is that we may fail or get hurt. But isn’t it more painful staying in the same spot for the rest of your life?
So what are the benefits of stepping outside of your comfort zone? Here’s 5.
- Challenging yourself will allow you to understand yourself better and what you’re capable of
I’d say my life really started the moment I decided to pack my bags and move all the way across the world. I spent the majority of my life in New York. While most of my friends got to go away to college, I stayed at home. I didn’t really get to experience that going away to school experience. Then in my Junior year of college, I had the opportunity to go study abroad in Italy for the summer. It was scary at first because I’d be away from my friends and family, but I took a chance anyway and it ended up being one of the best summers of my life.
Because of that experience, a few years later, I made a choice to move to Australia. I was feeling brave enough to pack up my life from NY and move somewhere I’ve always dreamt of going to, but have never been before. I was a bit scared, but more than ever I was excited. And it was because I studied abroad in Italy those years before and had such a great time, that I felt more confident moving to Australia. And it was a great few years. One that I’d never trade because I learned so much about myself. I understood myself better and realized I was capable of doing so much more than I ever imagined.
- Taking risks regardless of the outcome are growth experiences
You really do grow as a person the more you step out of your comfort zone and take risks. You open your mind to new possibilities. The main focus is to be deliberate about doing things that push your limits and lead you into a life of greater success. If you can challenge your mind, it will reward you and build character.
- Your confidence will improve
One of my greatest fears is public speaking. My palms start to sweat and my voice shakes. The funny thing is when I was younger, I desperately wanted to be a singer. And while I could sing in a room with myself, when it came time to sing in front of others, my voice would betray me.
But I never let my fear stop me. I’ve held positions at work where I’d have to present, I’ve taken singing lessons and even acting classes where at the end of the course we’d have to perform in front of an audience. Although it pained me at the moment, the more I’ve done it, the more confident I’ve grown. Just last year, I presented in a room of 60 people and I spent my entire morning freaking out over it. I had to meditate and take something to calm my nerves. While I was up there, I was so nervous but I didn’t show it. But after that experience, every other presentation I had didn’t seem so bad. My confidence level when from a 20 to a 60. I’m still a work in progress.
- Leaving your comfort zone will ultimately help you deal with change and making changes in a much better way, which in turn can open your life up to new opportunities
I’ve found that a lot of people are afraid of change. Solely for the reason that they don’t experience much change in their lives so when the time finally comes, they approach it from a place of fear. This is a huge limiting factor and why people can’t change their habits.
Because my life is constantly changing, I welcome it each time with open arms. It’s become natural for me.
- You expand your life from one of being too mediocre when you step outside of your comfort zone
A mediocre life is too big a price to pay. It also closes you from opportunities to meet some new and amazing people.
According to Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, Psychologist and author of Better Than Perfect, people who regularly seek out fresh experiences tend to be more creative and emotionally resilient than those who remain in a routine.
I encourage you to go out and really stretch yourself. Test your limits. You’d be surprised what you’re capable of and the new life that awaits you. Start to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
As always, if you need to talk, feel free to leave a comment here, drop me a DM, or head to the Facebook group. And tune into the podcast to listen to more conversations!
Lots of love xx
