Many times in our lives, we face dilemmas between choosing what we know and feel comfortable with the unknown and potentially uncomfortable. There are paths and tasks that we inherently know are the right ones to follow.
But they are not always the easiest ones. In fact, they are often challenging. The alternatives are much more tempting, right inside the comfort zone.
Breaking down the comfort zone
The comfort zone is like a prison with five-star facilities; it’s a psychological state wherein things are more familiar and usually under control, due to which stress and anxiety levels are at their minimum.
It is a secure yet limiting environment. While it is easy to talk about escaping the comfort zone, doing so can be a Herculean feat. This is because being in the comfort zone panders to the most primal of human needs.
According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, safety and security are the most basic human needs. But leaving the comfort zone is a worthy endeavor. It has many advantages.
Promotes personal growth
Engaging in new experiences and environments can promote personal growth.
A person becomes more aware and attuned to their own capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses when exposed to unfamiliar situations.
It is a bit like ‘being out in the wild’. A person can only learn how to survive when left alone for the first time.
Enhances resilience and adaptability
Regularly venturing out into the unknown can also help build your resilience and adaptability.
When change becomes a more regular occurrence and you begin to face uncertainty in your life, you typically tend to wise up to the many challenges of life.
Boosts self-esteem
Successfully navigating new terrains of life can also build self-esteem. A person becomes more confident in his/her ability to tackle any issues.
There is a reason army veterans with battle experience tend to be people with high self-belief.
What strategies can be used to get out of the comfort zone?
1. Identify your comfort zone
To successfully start your journey of getting out of your comfort zone, you first need to be able to identify what it actually means for you. After all, everyone’s comfort zone will look different.
Identifying your comfort zone can be the first step of a lifelong journey. Try to gauge instances and situations where a sense of familiarity, ease, and routine creeps in.
While comfort zones offer a sense of peace, they can often squeeze out risk-taking and creativity, halting both professional and personal progress.
2. Embrace a growth mindset
Having a growth mindset can work wonders for an individual. A great example of this is Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality.
In a nutshell, this mindset is all about focusing on the process and pushing oneself to be the best, no matter what the circumstances.
Such mental frameworks can help individuals shed their apprehensions and inhibitions and rather focus their energy on the task at hand.
3. Build a support network
Having people around pushing a person to get out and maximize his or her potential can help an individual to sustain their progress, especially in the difficult moments.
Sharing progress with family, friends, peers, or professionals can build a layer of accountability for the efforts.
Your support network can also consist of professionals, such as therapists, mental health counselors, life coaches, and even social workers qualified through hybrid MSW programs, who can help you develop goals and find ways to reach them.
If you’re someone who struggles with their mental health or has trouble making life changes, having the support and guidance of a professional can be incredibly worthwhile.
4. Design a schedule around the uncomfortable
The best way to overcome daunting challenges is to face them.
Forcing yourself to get into uncomfortable situations and events can help you navigate future challenges better. Hate socializing? Drag a friend to a party.
Can’t resist binge-watching at night? Learn to exercise restraint. While it may seem extremely difficult in the beginning, practice makes a man perfect. Be ready to take risks and accept self-challenges.
Endnote
Living an easy life might seem like the right course of action, but there are times when it can hinder any personal growth. Where is the fun and growth in simply going through the motions?
Getting out there, conquering the demons of the past, taking challenges head-on, and living life to the fullest can be a satisfying experience. What are you waiting for?