Break Out of your comfort zone

How to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone

Why is it so important to break free of our comfort zones? What do we gain from taking risks and embracing the discomfort of trying something new? Intentionally breaking out of your comfort zone opens you up to new opportunities to learn, grow and achieve things you may only dream about.

My comfort zone is the place I leave to explore the world, meet new people, gain experiences and manifest my dreams into reality. It is also the place I return to for rest, reflection and to recharge my well traveled spirit. Our comfort zones can provide shelter for your mind, body and soul. Spending time in our comfort zone offers a sense of safety, security, balance and wholeness.

As lovely as the comfort zone can be, when we don’t break free from time to time we strip ourselves of the opportunity to add richness and joy to our lives. The routine nature of our comfort zones can easily trap us in a space of predictability and complacency. Stepping outside the safe shelter of our comfort zone is a key ingredient to the spice of life.

“Coming out of your comfort zone is tough in the beginning, chaotic in the middle, and awesome in the end…because in the end, it shows you a whole new world!! Make an attempt.” – Manoj Arora, from the Rat Race to Financial Freedom

Why is it so hard to break free from your comfort zone?

Reaching out of your comfort zone is uncomfortable because it takes you out of relaxation and flow and tosses you into anxiety and stress. The trick is learning enough about yourself to know when you are leaning too far into stress and overwhelm.

Mild stress is actually a good thing. The mild amount of stress and discomfort that comes from stretching yourself outside your comfort zone keeps your brain healthy, your spirit adventurous and your heart content.

4 Benefits of Breaking Free of Your Comfort Zone

Here are a few things breaking free of your comfort zone will do for you.

1. You strengthen your ability to handle the unexpected

No matter how safe or secure you think you are all tucked away in the plush softness of your comfort zone, life will still come at you hard, fast and unexpected at times. By taking regular trips outside your comfort zone you improve your ability to handle changes that you did not order.

2. You build courage and try new things more often

Each time you take the plunge, or dip a toe, outside your comfort zone you build your confidence and courage. “Well that wasn’t so bad, maybe I will do it again.” Plus, life is just a whole lot more fun when you get out there and do all the things you crave, desire or simply think about doing.

3. Creativity thrives outside the comfort zone

It’s hard to be creative when your stuck in a rut of routine. All of my best creative moments have blessed me when I was seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling, doing something outside my normal routine. If you want to experience your own creativity you have to step outside the cave of comfort.

4. You learn more about what you do and don’t like

Not every risk you take is going to turn out how you think it should. The surprises at the end are part of the fun! Doing things differently, trying new things, or simply shaking up the daily routine a bit will help you learn more about yourself. The more you know, the more you grow. And the more interesting, entertaining and joyful your life will become.

“Even the smallest changes in our daily routine can create incredible ripple effects that expand our vision of what is possible.” – Charles F. Glassman, Brain Drain The Breakthrough That Will Change Your Life

It’s OK to start small. Breaking out of our routines is challenging. Take it slow at first and build up your stamina. The goal here is to build up your tolerance for taking risks and finding more enjoyment in life. Start with something simple. One step, or toe, at a time. Your courage will grow with each step you take.

5 Simple Ways to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone

Here are 5 simple ways to start to break out of your comfort zone…

1. Read a book you’re not super interested in that someone else highly recommends

This works especially well with anything related to self discovery and growth. Open your mind and you will open your heart. Open your heart and you will discover greatness within you never knew existed. Through this greatness you will transform your life.

2. Take a day trip somewhere you haven’t been before

Go to a nearby town or place that looks interesting to you. Spend the day walking around, investigating the uniqueness of the place and the people. What did you learn? How did it feel to explore someplace new?

3. Talk to a stranger

In line at the grocery store, at the coffee shop, at an event, a gathering, at the gym, on the street, while you are on your day trip…just say hello and start a casual conversation. What did you learn? How did you feel after talking with them?

4. Do something you have been putting off

Allow yourself to bask in the glorious rays of productivity and completion.

5. Create a bucket list and do one thing on it

When you think about things you “wish” you could do, or see others doing or dream about doing…write it down on a bucket list. And then go do one of the things. Turn your “wish” into reality.

Learning how to break out of your comfort zone can change your life. Next time you find yourself feeling stuck in a rut, bored, complacent or settled into a routine. Consider challenging yourself to try something new. Open yourself up. Invite your brave, confident and adventurous self to create, dream and grow.

“I have realized; it is during the times I am far outside my element that I experience myself the most.” – C. Joybell C.

Share this post with your friends:

Article Author

Callie Roush

Callie Roush

Callie Roush is the founder and CEO of CallieCo Coaching LLC. She is a holistic life coach, certified transpersonal hypnotherapist and holistic nutrition specialist. She serves her clients through a connection to mind, body, heart, soul and spirit. Inspiring and motivating people to create balance and meaning in their lives on their terms.
Scroll to Top
Share to...