As human beings, we’re wired to seek comfort to help us feel calm and balanced.
Unfortunately, when we’re comfortable, we’re not often at our most productive, which is why it can be so crucial to learn to step outside of our comfort zone from time to time.
Of course, this isn’t as easy as it sounds. We’re all afraid of the first step. After all, the most uncomfortable part of any journey is the initiation—going from being stationary to acting.
But once you set things in motion and leave your comfort zone, that initial discomfort often fades, allowing your momentum to build. It’s just a matter of wanting to change, and of finding the courage to take that first step.
As hard as it can be, stepping outside of your comfort zone on a regular basis can offer you many advantages. Here are seven major benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone:
1. Opportunity to grow
Challenging yourself can help you reach your peak performance level. You can’t expect to evolve and reach new heights if you only stick to your normal habits and routine lifestyle. Learning new skills and lessons will help you throughout your life.
2. Learn about yourself
Taking risks will help you grow as an individual and will teach you about your interests, passions, talents, strengths and weaknesses. Every time you accomplish something you didn’t think you were capable of, you become more confident, knowledgeable and skilled.
3. Expanding yourself and your creativity
When you try something new, you may find a new hobby or talent that you didn’t know that you had. New and challenging situations require you to find your own creativity in order to reach a solution.
4. Increase your self-confidence
Tackling the unknown and proving to yourself you can push past your boundaries and limiting self-beliefs builds your self-confidence and self-esteem. Insecurity loves to feed on your habit of not trying. If you stop thinking and start acting, you will realize what’s possible.
5. Learn to deal with challenges
Life is unpredictable and it’s important to have the skills and confidence to face them head on. Knowing that you were able to overcome something you thought was insurmountable will build your confidence and reinforce your independence of who you are.
6. Life becomes lively
When your life stops being a scene from the movie Groundhog Day, everything shows up different. Life becomes more interesting and worth living. Risks may look like adventures and obstacles could look like opportunities. When you are happier on the inside, your appreciation for what’s around you increase. Surprise yourself daily.
7. Build new relationships
Trying something new helps you to meet all sorts of new people you may not have met otherwise staying in your comfort zone. In order to have good relationships with others, you must have a good relationship with yourself. If you are not happy with who you are or what you do, it will be challenging to value the good qualities of the people around you. Stepping out of your comfort zone, discovering who you are and overcoming yours fears will ultimately result in better relationships with others. Drama decreases as your confidence and life’s perspective increases.
