How to step outside of your comfort zone – it’s not what you may think

When we think about growth, we know we’re supposed to step out of our comfort zone. Comfort zones are great but if you stay there too long, you find you never grow, learn new things or expand your what’s comfortable for you. You stay small, play small, and never challenge yourself. You may miss out on your full potential.

But maybe you’re like me and have always felt that expanding your comfort zone always needs to be some big thing. That growing outside your comfort zone must mean making huge changes and taking on big challenges.

Good news – It doesn’t!

Ways to expand your comfort zone that aren’t hugeChange your routine Do a different kind of workout Wear a more out-there outfit to workRead something a little different, maybe a new genre or something more literaryWatch a documentary on a complex topic Have a conversation with someone new or someone with different opinions from youTry a new recipe or meal from a restaurantLearn a new language on DuolingoTake a new route to work If you’re an artist or creative, do your craft differently, i.e. writing a story out of order or using a different kind of paintDance at the next party you go toTalk to your colleagues during lunchtime instead of scrolling on your phoneIn fact, do anything other than scrolling on your phone when bored, tired, or uncomfortable!Style your hair in a different wayTake an online course in your spare time (many let you go at your own pace)Try a new yoga pose (safely, please!)Get a different coffee orderWake up a little earlierUse a planner and actually plan!Throw out your to-do list and wing itTake a spontaneous tripJournal or meditate to explore yourself and deeper emotions – if you already do this, do it for longer!

There are many little ways to step out of your comfort zone that may be more profound and important than big leaps like moving city, solo traveling, quitting your job, or becoming a martial artist! We always look at the big things as impressive but small things done more consistently are way more powerful and have a lasting effect on our confidence and what becomes our new comfort zone.

What will you do to expand your comfort zone this Spring?

Sincerely,

S. xx