Getting Out Of your Comfort Zone
Halloween is the one time of year where you explore different characters through costumes, but you can explore different aspects of yourself any time you want. We all have multiple sides to our personalities, and some show more than others. When we get out of our comfort zone, we dig deep inside of ourselves and let the more hidden aspects of ourselves shine.
We grow when we get out of our comfort zone so it is important to push yourself to try new things and expose yourself to new experiences. So, when we are out of our comfort zone, we are in our growth zone. If you don’t try new things, you will be stuck with the same knowledge and same perspectives.
Let’s be real, growth feels uncomfortable and scary and is not always a fun process, but it is essential. To overcome your fears, become your best self, and embrace your full potential you need to be willing to fight through the pain of discomfort. Start getting comfortable with being uncomfortable because you have to love all parts of the journey: the good and the bad. Without the bad, the good wouldn’t exist.
Don’t get me wrong, being in your comfort zone is the ultimate temptation… in the moment. But, when you look at the big picture, staying in your comfort zone doesn’t seem so great after all.
Steps to get out of your comfort zone:
Think of the big picture or a long term goal you want to accomplish. This goal is not going to happen with no effort or work being put in. You have to grow to get there.
Shift your mindset from fear to excitement. I always tell myself that no matter what my attitude is, life is happening so you might as well make it positive.
The hardest part… showing up. As much as you may not want to, show up for yourself. You know yourself; you know when you need a break and you know when you are just being lazy.
Be proud! Straying from the norm is an amazing feat and you should be so proud of what you accomplished.
Gather information because knowing what you are getting yourself into helps you navigate the unknown.
Having a why. Why are you doing what you are doing? One reason is because it is going to help you grow and shape you into a more well-rounded person.
Grab a friend, but don’t make it only about the friend and don’t make it a competition. This is a tricky one, because you need to find a partner in crime that will lift you up, but when you find the right person/ people, it can make a world of a difference.
Incentivize yourself. Sometimes we all just need something to keep us going. For example, if you meditate for 10 minutes 3 times in a week, you can buy yourself an item of clothing.
Getting out of your comfort zone is different for everyone. It could be trying a new food or a new workout. Introducing yourself to someone, meditating for a few minutes, exploring a new morning routine, etc.
For me, taking a nap is actually quite out of my comfort zone. In the past, I thought of naps as a form of giving up. I have recently realized, this could not be farther from the truth. When you are tired, a nap helps bring you back to life so you can put forth your best work.
Getting out your comfort zone helps you learn new things about yourself, your environment, and others.
As we move into November, we are moving from scary season to a season all about gratitude. With this, change your perspective and every time you feel annoyed or scared that you have to do something, just be grateful that you even have the opportunity.