How to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Chelle Stein

Chelle Stein

— 3 min read
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Most of us have what is called a “comfort zone” – things we are comfortable with doing and will continue to do unless we make the effort to change.

While comfort zones sound like a nice, secure, safe place to be – they can also cause a lot of anxiety and frustration. We like being in the comfort zone because it means things will likely not change for the worse – but what we fail to remember is this also means they can’t change for the better either!

When you’re stuck in your comfort zone, it’s hard to experience new things. It’s hard to develop as a person. You can’t really achieve new things when you do the same things over and over again.

Some examples of the comfort zone:

  • Staying in a job you don’t really like but don’t really hate either because it’s easy to do or has benefits/pay you need
  • Going out with the same group of friends all the time
  • Sticking to a weekly schedule that is the same week after week
  • Being passive in making decisions
  • Avoiding situations because they make you feel uncomfortable

If any of these scenarios sounds familiar, you’re probably stuck in your comfort zone. And chances are, if you’re stuck in your comfort zone you are feeling the anxiety and frustration that goes along with it. When nothing changes, it’s easy to start feeling bored and restless.

If you’re looking for some ways to get out of your comfort zone, here are some tips:

1. Meet New People, All the Time:

This one is a really hard step for most people. We have our existing family and friends, and meeting new people can sometimes be a little daunting.

I recommend going to a website like Meetup.com and finding groups in your area to join. It will definitely help push you out of your comfort zone to join a group and attend a meetup near you – so do it!

You can also meet new people through churches, non-profit organizations, volunteering, going out to venues…make it a point to meet new people regularly and you will be amazed at how this helps you feel more comfortable talking to others and open up new opportunities for you.

2. Show the World Who You Really Are:

It’s time to act completely like yourself. There’s no reason to hide or try to be someone else. Don’t be afraid of what other people think of you. Most people aren’t paying attention anyways.

One of the reasons I write this blog at ChelleStein.com (instead of some other cute/clever domain name) is because I want to be completely open about who I am and what I think. Today, being the real, raw, imperfect you is the way to go – so don’t be afraid to show the world who you really are.

3. Do Things Alone:

It’s scary to do things by yourself, but once you try it the more and more comfortable you will become. Go to a movie alone, or eat out at a restaurant by yourself. Take a small road trip by yourself. By doing this, it will help foster your independence and help you get more comfortable with being alone and independent.

4. Start Asking People for Things:

The worst that anyone will ever say to you is no. So ask away. You never know what might happen when you start – and this will help you overcome fears of rejection as well.

So go ahead – ask the boss for a raise, ask out a friend to lunch, ask the cashier at the store if she has any discount coupons. You never know until you try…and the worst anyone will say is no.

5. Do Something Embarrassing Every Day:

Doing embarrassing things every day will help you worry less of what people think of you and help you learn how to step out of comfort zone.

Dance around in your living room, sing loudly and off key, wear ridiculous clothes in public. The more practice you get at doing embarrassing things, the easier it gets to stop worrying about what other people think.

6. Learn Something New:

You can always learn something new, and doing so will help challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. Take a class at a local community college, join a fitness club, or take a class online. By learning new things, you’ll open your yourself up to new possibilities and experiences.

7. Give Up on Perfection: 

One of the reasons we stay stuck in a comfort zone is because we’re afraid things won’t turn out perfect if we step out of our comfort zone. When you stop trying to be perfect, it can help you branch out to new endeavors more easily.

So are you stuck in your comfort zone? What things make you feel uncomfortable or awkward but could help you grow on a personal or professional level? Share your thoughts and comments below!

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