Outside The Comfort Zone

Outside the comfort zone is where you grow as a person. It’s something that I’ve learned time and time again over the years. Some people embrace this concept more than others. In fact, most people do not embrace the concept. Most people embrace the idea that the “warm and cozy” place is the best place for them. So be it. The real question is this. How do YOU feel about that?

If you’re longing for something different or something more in life then you NEED to exit your comfort zone. You need to be exposed to new people, new surroundings and new ideas. Not necessarily forever, but for periods of time so that you can start to absorb different perspectives and feel free to think in a different way than you do usually. The paradox of the comfort zone in terms of people is that the people in your comfort zone likely care about you but they also may be tired of hearing about your ideas, hopes and dreams. And so their lack of enthusiasm that manifests in response to your plans often ends up leaving you feeling frustrated.

I’ll be the first to acknowledge that breaking in with a new crowd in 2023 is not easy. People have become more insulated as we have adopted technology as a proxy for intimacy and direct communication. That’s all the more reason why you should try to experience new places, new people and new experiences. I always say, “If you want the results that everyone gets then do what everyone does.” In other words…DON’T…if you want to affect change in your life. If everyone else is a) staying home, b) online and c) watching Netflix (the definition of comfort for sure!) then perhaps you should be a) outside, b) offline and c) reading a book. Or going for a long walk. Or meditating. You get the picture.

It’s a theme I’ve covered before but one thing that tends to hold people back in terms of departing their comfort zone is the judgement of the people close to them, and in some cases the people not so close to them. Here’s a tip to mitigate that situation. Don’t be so vocal about your plans. There’s a school of thought that tells people to be vocal about their goals because that then pressures the person to follow through. I disagree. What I’ve found, especially in the online world, is that sharing of goals (dreams, etc.) can initially lead to effusive kudos which has the effect of tricking the brain into thinking that you have achieved those goals when you haven’t. That demotivates you. Also, the more you talk about your plans the less enthusiastic others will become. That also demotivates you. So I like to keep my plans to myself as much as possible and let people know the results afterwards.

You may be searching for ideas about how to get outside your comfort zone to gain the benefits such behavior affords. I like the idea of starting small and picking up some quick wins to build motivation. Hence, going big to start out and planning and around the world trip will likely be more overwhelming than beneficial to you. If you like start at home by picking out and reading a new book or two that’s something outside your normal reading habit. Start learning a language that you find interesting and may come in handy some day. Learn more about cooking, music, are or poetry. Pick a place that’s not too far from you to visit for awhile on a day off. It could be a park, a museum, a coffee shop or a farmer’s market. Create new routines that take you to new areas and practice going further afield. Why? Jim Rohn used to say something like, “See all you can see.” That’s good enough for me!

For me the combination of learning new languages and traveling has been extremely helpful in boosting my self-development, providing new perspectives and improving my overall happiness. At times I’ve done it religiously and at times I have abandoned it for years. I regret having done so but sometimes it couldn’t be helped. I’ve gotten back to traveling and new languages though. It’s reignited my zest for life and my desire to do more. It has also given me the motivation to break my routines to allow me to grow more at or close to home. Yes, living outside your comfort zone will make you appear weird to some people in your life. They may even say so. Pay them now mind as they are likely jealous that you are transcending your normal existence. Many people secretly long for change in their lives. Few act on that longing!

I hope that this post has inspired you (even just a little bit) to get outside your comfort zone. Give it a try and you will see that benefits will accrue immediately, giving you the courage to continue taking steps that help you craft a unique and fulfilling life.