Your comfort zone is just that — a comfortable place where your abilities aren’t tested, and you don’t have to change or do anything different. If you struggle with anxiety or feel scared by the unknown, stepping out of your comfort zone can feel overwhelming. Yet, the moment you step outside your self-imposed restrictions, you’ll discover joy, excitement and limitless opportunities.
The Benefits of Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
It’s much easier to remain where you feel comfortable and safe. However, you miss out on opportunities and life experiences. Learning how to take risks outside your comfort zone will bring tangible benefits to your life, including:
- Creativity.
- Productivity.
- Adaptability.
- Boundless growth.
5 Ways to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Comfort zones are not really about comfort — they’re about fear. Once you break those chains, you’ll discover your untapped potential.
Whether you’re wondering how to get out of your comfort zone socially or you want to push past anxiety’s stronghold over your life, here are five steps to take.
1. Think About What You Want Outside Your Comfort Zone
What would you do if nothing was holding you back? Introduce yourself to people in social situations? Venture into a new career? Start going to therapy? Understanding what you want outside your comfort zone can give you a sense of what you’re working toward.
2. Get Comfortable With Discomfort
Fear is natural. Yet, each time you push past worry or discomfort, it makes the next time you step out of your comfort zone a little easier.
3. Start Small
Don’t try to jump all the way outside your comfort zone. Instead, start small by finding a few meaningful ways to shake up your routine. Take a new route to work. Eat lunch with someone different. Strike up a random conversation in line at the store. The idea is to place yourself in new situations where you can control the interaction — at least at first.
As you slowly push past your comfort zone, you’ll feel more at ease about trying new things.
4. Don’t Rely on the Safe Choice
Instead of relying on what’s comfortable, opt for the more risky choice. That could mean saying yes to a new project or assignment, even if you haven’t done it before. Or choosing to learn something new even if you’re scared you’ll fail. You will grow far more when you choose the uncomfortable path.
5. Take That First Step
The longest journey starts with that first step. Whether your goal is overcoming addiction, overcoming anxiety or buying your dream home, break your goal down into smaller, actionable steps — then take the first one. Moving forward will help you think more positively about your goals.
Embrace Change in Recovery
If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol, breaking free from addiction can feel scary and completely outside of your comfort zone. But you don’t have to do it alone. At 7 Summit Pathways, we’ll walk beside you and help you embrace change. Our personalized services include multidimensional and holistic therapies designed to support your unique Recovery journey.
Contact us today to learn how you can get out of this destructive comfort zone and find real, lasting change.