Stepping out of our Comfort Zones

 

The definition of Comfort Zone is “a behavioural state within which a person operates in an anxiety-neutral condition, using a limited set of behaviours to deliver a steady level of performance, usually without a sense of risk”.

So why are we stuck in a rut, so-to-speak, and afraid to step out of our comfort zones to explore new and exciting possibilities in our lives? Are we really conditioned to be creatures of routine and why does doing something different cause us anxiety?

Getting Stuck in our Comfort Zones

Neuroscientist, chiropractor, author and lecturer, Dr. Joe Dispenza is an expert on the brain, mind and human potential and in his book, Evolve your brain – The science of changing your mind, he states:

“It is clear, based on the newest science, that we all become conditioned to stay in our comfort zones and our brain keeps us there. Regardless of whether it is more money you want, a better relationship, amazing energy, work that you love, or the body of your dreams, your outer world of results is determined by your inner world. When you change your inner program, you change the results in your life. To win the outer game, you must first master the inner game”.

Comfort zone conflict is an ongoing battle within our headspace. One part of your brain is saying be sensible “don’t go on that holiday to the Galapagos Islands, it is too risqué”, whilst the other part is saying “why not, it could be the most exciting place you have ever been”. It is so easy just to stay home and not go anywhere because that does not involve any effort.

Some people tend to be content in their comfort zones, working at the same job all their lives, living in the same house, eating the same food, going on holidays to the same destination year after year. Then there are others who live life on the edge, taking unnecessary risks, trying new and exciting experiences almost every week and never able to sit idle. These types of people are often referred to as thrill seekers or adrenaline junkies. They get off on the high that is attached to taking risks.

But there is a happy medium. We don’t need to be thrill seekers and take unnecessary risks to step out of our comfort zones. You only need to possess a sense of adventure and be prepared to to do something out of the norm. For example, taking that overseas holiday that you’ve been wanting to take for years. 

Reasons to Step out of your Comfort Zone

There are many benefits for stepping out of our comfort zones. It may be the most exhilarating thing that you ever do in your life. Just keep these points in mind:

• It’s never as bad as you think.
• No-one is really watching so don’t think about them.
• You’re never alone being scared (others are just as scared as you).
• There is no better way to grow as a person.
• You may discover that it’s something you love.
• New challenges are a great way to keep your brain young and healthy.
• It will boost your self confidence.
• You will feel proud of yourself afterwards.
• You become more resilient. 
• It opens doors to new possibilities.

How to Step out of our Comfort Zones

So what actions, if any, do you need to take to get yourself out of your comfort zone? Well,here are some helpful hints:

1.  Make a fool of yourself

Why not? Other people make fools of themselves all the time. Do something over-the-top embarrassing like sing at a Karaoke Bar, do your silly “bogan dance” at your sons’ 21st or go skinny dipping in the ocean by moonlight! Go on – let yourself go!

2. Face your fears

Choose one of your fears and confront it head-on. Don’t like heights? Try skydiving, hiking a mountain or going to the top of a highrise building. Do whatever it takes, as long as the idea of it makes you slightly uneasy. For example, some people are afraid of public speaking but take a public speaking course to overcome their fear.

3. Become comfortable with taking risks

Say “yes” to every single opportunity that presents itself, big or small. From an invite to an event you typically wouldn’t attend, to a job promotion in a different city. Some things are life changers, and they should be embraced with open arms instead of shut down without consideration.

It may be something small like going to an outdoor music festival or grabbing a friend and doing a hike up a mountain together. 

4. Enjoy the unknown

Go on an adventure and explore a surrounding city or an area you’re unfamiliar with, using no Google Maps or assistance from your phone. Enjoy being lost and getting around only by using your own initiative, and asking others for directions. Go to a restaurant you’ve never actually been to and order something unique off of the menu. Go swimming with the elephants in Thailand (I’ve done this and it was very rewarding!)

So when was the last time you felt excited about not knowing what was going to happen next? If you’re deep in your comfort zone, it’s probably been a while. Don’t you miss it? Don’t you miss the mixture of anticipation and anxiety that makes your heart flutter and stomach turn at the same time? Bring that feeling back into your life!

A very wise person once said “A ship in a harbour is safe, but that’s not what a ship is built for”.