Get Up, Get Out, and Live
In the warmth of our comfort zone, life feels safe, secure, and familiar. Getting outside of your comfortable box may be tough at first, but facing unfamiliar challenges can make you happier and more fulfilled in the long run.
To help you out, we've rounded up some of the most effective strategies for stepping out of your comfort zone, finding new thrills, and expanding your personal horizons. It’s time to stretch your limits!
challenge yourself in small ways every day
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Sounds simple enough, but it isn’t always simple to do. Look for ways to step outside of your comfort zone by taking tiny action steps. Once you've made stepping out of your comfort zone a daily routine, it'll be much easier to handle bigger challenges.
stuck in a rut, break the pattern
Take a break from the norm and look for areas in your life that feel repetitive or monotonous. If you always go to the same coffee shop each morning, try exploring other cafes in your area or the diner across the street instead. Stirring up your routine helps bring new experiences into your life.
update your home decor
When was the last time you picked up anything new for your living space? If you've been living with the same furniture, art, and decor for years (or decades), make a date to take yourself to the paint store, furniture showroom, or an art sale and pick out a few fresh ideas that speak to you. Pay attention to your emotional response to color everywhere you go. Take the classic style you naturally gravitate toward and give it a fresh twist.
turn every day into a learning experience
Look at each day as a chance for you to learn something new. Remember that this can only happen if you're stepping outside your comfort zone. You can do this by always making an effort to find ways to grow.
pick activities that challenge you
Take the stairs instead of taking the elevator whenever possible. Ask yourself why you want to tackle these new obstacles. Bring a friend for some added support.
stop complaining
Try going without complaining for as long as you can, remembering that your life is an echo. Instead of complaining start everyday by jotting down five things you are grateful for.
Life is full of opportunities to step outside the comfort zone, but grabbing hold of them can be difficult. Take some risks and the walls start coming down. Stepping outside of your comfort zone helps you build your creativity, focus on your self-confidence, and learn more about yourself. Step outside your comfort zone and begin to grow and reach new goals.
Add a little zest to your life and experience the personal growth, learning and success you're after.
References
Overcoming Fear: 10 Ways To Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Crystal Walker is a the chief communicator and creative strategist for CrystaRene Consulting and a regular contributor at Hope Magazine. Crystal is a published writer, event planner, voice-over talent, graphic designer, educator, communications coach and former radio personality.