Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Many days I like living in my comfort zone.  It’s predictable, and whether it actually is safe or not, it FEELS like it’s safe and that matters.  That is why most of us stay in the zone.  Our human brain has a drive for predictability and safety and most of us like knowing what to expect next.

Trying something new?  That can feel exceedingly beyond our comfort zone… and why would we venture there?  It feels scary there.  We may not know what we are doing. We may look funny, unsure or even stupid trying something new especially if those around us are pros at it.

At work, changing things up often inherently moves us out of our comfort zone.  We may go from feeling in the know, to inadequate.  And who wants to feel that?  Ever wonder why there are some “past clingers” as I call them in the workplace when leadership announces something new (new system, policy, procedure…)  the past clinger passionately proclaims, “but this is the way we’ve always done it!”

The cry for sameness is often really saying, “I don’t want to feel incompetent, look foolish or not know what I’m doing.” 

Anyone in leadership-  parents, teachers, business owners and leaders- it is important to remember this as you go about implementing changes.

But what about outside of our work lives?   How do you do at initiating change, trying new things, or stepping out of your comfort zone?

When presented with an opportunity to stray away from all that is familiar, what is your first thought?  I can’t do this?  I shouldn’t do this?  This will make me look… ( foolish, incompetent etc.).

While predictability is great- our brains need a certain amount of it- the spice of life moments are lived outside of our comfort zone.

For this reason alone, it is important to catch those negative “I can’t do it” thoughts and reflect on what they are really about.

Maybe growing up you were laughed at when you tried something new.  That can create deep wounds.  Perhaps you had a critical parent, sibling or partner.  When the people around us are critical, that plants deep roots of messaging about “don’t take risks, it won’t end well.”

I was the kid who was raised to play it safe.  My mother’s anxiety permeated every facet of my life.  If I would have listened and not worked through the anxiety it created in me… my life would be infinitely more miniscule, boring and yes, overly predictable.

It took a long time to do the work of not taking on that anxiety with every new fresh step forward.  And occasionally, it still rears up and I’m grateful to have both tools and support.

I have jumped out of an airplane, visited 9 countries, started multiple business adventures and am living life on my terms.  None of that would be possible by playing small, letting anxiety win, and living only in my comfort zone.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”  And the quote by Helen Keller, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing” also has inspired me.

Today, take a deep breath and visualize one place in your life where you will choose to step out of your predictable comfort zone.  Maybe you leave a toxic relationship, start a business, take a trip to a faraway land, or even just try a new recipe! 

Wishing you many new bold adventures as you leave your comfort zone ( even for a moment) to take a walk on the wild side.