Are You Too Comfortable? 5 Small Steps Towards Growth

Wow! A while back it hit me like a bolt out of the blue. I realised I was too comfortable.

Comfort is lovely.?

It’s warm, soft and convenient.?

Comfort is easy.?

You know what I mean: You’re in that comfort zone and everything seems peachy. Sure, you could step outside the zone, and you know you probably should, but you feel you don’t really need to. And, who knows what might be lurking out there anyway! Am I right? I know this has been true for me.

The safe confines of the comfort zone are great if you don’t want to reach for the stars, experience your true potential, or strive for transformation. So, if you are happy where you are then don’t read any more. I mean it. If you can honestly say to yourself “I have no desire to achieve anything else and I don’t feel I need to work on myself at all” then I applaud you. You have what I am working towards. You’ve made it.

But, if there is the slightest niggling doubt deep within your being that keeps gently whispering in your ear “you can do this”, then I welcome you to keep reading.

Stepping out of your comfort zone will transform you

Many people want to step out of the zone but fear holds them back.?

Some people are unable to move past their feelings of inertia. Sometimes everything just feels like too much effort and it’s easier to keep the status quo that explore new horizons.?

A friend of mine had a terrific saying: “If nothing changes, nothing changes”. It took me years to actually understand what she was talking about.

You will have to face fears and uncertainty if you want something in your life to change. However, stepping into your bravery will help you build resilience, confidence and self-belief. As you step forth you can not help but be exposed to newness. This is an experience that can open you to opportunities and possibilities as you meet new people, explore new options, and expand your awareness.

Five small steps towards personal growth

I invite you to break free from the boundaries you have created and see where your true self resides.?

Always start small and just push those boundaries a little. Feel where your resistance begins. Take a step back into your comfort zone whenever you need to, and make one small change at a time:

1. Take small steps to begin with. Test out the boundary line of your comfort zone. When you are ready dip your toe in. Start with something small, like a new cuisine you’ve been too afraid to try (vegan laksa is pretty yum). Gradually increase the challenges. You will find that you soon learn where the boundary ends and discomfort begins to disolve. If you truly feel unsafe or afraid, then stop. You can always begin again when you feel ready to expand yourself.

2. Set some goals. Make a list of activities you already feel super comfortable exploring. Make a second list of activities you would like to learn more about but haven’t felt confident to try yet. Challenge yourself to gently push beyond your comfort zone by setting some simple and do-able goals.?

3. Begin to explore the practice of mindfulness. You can do this by taking some long, slow breaths in and out. Close your eyes if this feels good for you, and focus on this very moment. Bring your awareness back to your breath each time you find yourself getting caught up in thoughts again. Practicing mindfulness every day helps you to become self-aware and enhances your ability to self-reflect. Challenge yourself to gently explore the beliefs and thoughts that arise when you spend time in mindful awareness.

4. Connect with others. You can do this online, or in person by joining a group that interests you. Perhaps volunteering is a way that you can expand your social circle. Another way to challenge your boundaries is to apply for that job you believe you won’t get. Maybe you don’t get it, but at least you tried. Imagine if you did get it. This could change your life.

5. Don’t be afraid to fail. Not everything is going to go to plan. That’s how life is. But you know what? That’s OK. By leaning to embrace failure you remove the fear around making a mistake. This in turn naturally takes you out of your comfort zone. Failures are stepping stones on your journey. You learn the lesson, embrace the growth, and continue on your path.

I really encourage you to expand your reach a little?further

For too long I sat in my zone because I told myself I was ok there. Deep down I knew it was because I was afraid of what lay outside the zone, and the commitment I would need to make to myself (and my growth) to explore this unfamiliar territory.?

Reflecting back I don’t know why it took me so long. What I have learnt is that you can talk yourself into and out of just about anything. But if you do want something to change then you have to make that change happen.

Stepping out of your comfortable existence is scary. It’s also a personal journey that you should take at your own pace, and embrace it. Learn to be patience with yourself and celebrate all your wins (no matter how small) along the way.

Here’s to your magnificence

Silva x

P.S. Remember my friend’s wise words: If nothing changes, nothing changes.