“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” Some people live their lives by this famous Robert Frost quote. Other people like to stick to roads that are more well-traveled. But what if you’re ready to switch it up? Learn how to get out of your comfort zone, and start a whole new journey for yourself.
How to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Believe it or not, a comfort zone isn’t just an expression. It’s actually a psychological term that describes what happens when people don’t test or challenge themselves regularly. And yes, you do stay comfortable when you’re in your comfort zone, because you don’t have to deal with the uncertainty that comes from trying something new. But you also miss out on new experiences, new opportunities, and new chances to grow and change. Whether you’re young in body or just young at heart, it’s important to leave your comfort zone every now and then.
But how do you do that? If you aren’t sure where to begin, let’s talk about how to get out of your comfort zone.
Define What Is (and What Isn’t) in Your Comfort Zone
If you aren’t sure how to leave your comfort zone, it can be helpful to think about where your comfort zone actually is. Draw a circle on a piece of paper. Inside the circle, write down things that you’re comfortable with. This can include items like “my morning routine” or other daily rituals, as well as things that make you feel comfortable in general: activities you do frequently, restaurants you go to often, people you talk to every day, etc.
Now, take some time to think about things you’ve always wanted to try but that you’ve never gotten around to because you’re frightened. These can be big things, like skydiving or learning a new language, but they don’t have to be. For example, if you’re nervous about starting a new exercise routine, you can list that outside of your comfort zone. Or how about joining a book club? Volunteering with a local organization? Practicing tai chi? As you list these ideas, think about why they might be worth exploring. Think about all the reasons why it might be beneficial to step outside your comfort zone.
Cross the Boundaries of Your Comfort Zone
Once you’ve identified some things that might make it worth leaving your comfort zone, it’s time to look for some ways you can start to experience them. Remember that you don’t have to do everything at once! In fact, it’s best to start with small steps and work toward a larger goal, because that will help you learn to tolerate discomfort. So if you’re nervous about getting physically active, don’t start off with a 5k. Instead, start each day with a morning stretch and a quick walk around the block. Once you become comfortable with small steps, you can work your way up to bigger leaps.
It’s also important to remember that failure will happen sometimes, and it’s a natural part of life. You won’t succeed at every single thing you try, even if you start with good intentions. Pay attention to what’s working and what isn’t, and try to learn from every attempt.
Focus on the Benefits
Getting used to discomfort is an important part of leaving your comfort zone, but staying motivated is equally important. After all, you’re putting in this work for a reason! So keep a list of all the positive things that stepping out of your comfort zone brings into your life, and refer to it whenever you need a boost of confidence. Enjoy new experiences, meet new people, try new things, and have fun!
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Learning how to get out of your comfort zone takes patience and hard work, but it will pay off. What’s one new thing you can try tomorrow?
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