What Does it Mean to Be Out of Your Comfort Zone? Tips and Advice

What Does it Mean to Be Out of Your Comfort Zone?

Being out of your comfort zone means stepping outside of your everyday routine and activities and trying something new or challenging. For many people, this can induce feelings of anxiety, stress or fear. However, being outside your comfort zone can also lead to immense personal growth, fulfillment and expanded perspectives.

Why Might We Want to Leave Our Comfort Zones?

There are many benefits to leaving our comfort zones intentionally from time to time:

Builds confidence – Accomplishing something we previously thought impossible makes us feel more confident in our abilities.
Promotes adaptability – Adjusting to new and changing situations requires adaptability, a skill that improves by practicing.
Enhances self-awareness – Trying new things helps us learn about our strengths, weaknesses and personal preferences.
Sparks inspiration – Stepping outside routines exposes us to new ideas and perspectives that can reinvigorate creativity.

How Can We Embrace Discomfort Positively?

Rather than seeing discomfort as something purely negative to avoid, we can reframe it as an opportunity for growth. Here are some tips:

Focus on potential gains rather than perceived losses – Remind yourself how trying new things expands life experiences.
Start small – Set manageable goals slightly outside your norms and build self-efficacy gradually.
Reframe anxiety as excitement – These emotions often coincide. Focus your outlook on the thrill.
Cultivate self-compassion – Be kind to yourself if something feels difficult, rather than judging perceived failures.

Examples of Positive Growth Opportunities

Some examples of ways to stretch yourself that promote positive growth include:

Public speaking – Build presentation skills by joining a group like Toastmasters.
Exploring new hobbies – Spark passion and joy by trying novel activities without judging your beginner skills.
Meeting new people – Expand social connections and gain new perspectives through networking events or social meetups.
International travel – Immersing in different cultures broadens worldviews and enhances adaptability and empathy.

FAQ

What if I try new things and fail or look foolish?

Be compassionate with yourself. Failure and perceived foolishness often come from trying new things. Frame them as opportunities to learn rather than judging yourself harshly. You can still feel proud for putting yourself out there.

Is it better to make small or drastic comfort zone expansions?

It depends on your personality and context. For many people, small incremental expansions feel more manageable. But for some, a bigger change elicits more inspiration and motivation. Choose what feels right for your needs and abilities.

How do I know if an activity is too far beyond my capacities?

Check your emotions and self-talk while considering potential activities. If you feel extremely anxious, nervous or self-critical, it may currently be too big a stretch. Scale back goals to be adequately challenging but not overly intimidating.

What if I try something new but don’t enjoy the experience?

Not every novel activity will bring joy or meaning, and that is perfectly okay. Reflect on what you learned about your preferences and realign activities accordingly. Any expansion of self-awareness has value.

How often should I purposefully step out of my comfort zone?

There’s no set rule. Challenge yourself consistently enough to promote regular growth, but not so frequently that you feel overwhelmed and unsettled. Find the optimal pace and scope of expansions that keeps you feeling positively stimulated.