Why Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone
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How to get out of your comfort zone
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. But getting out of your comfort zone isn’t easy. It’s that place where everything is easy, there are little to no surprises, and everything is usually… well comfortable.
It’s familiar, it’s routine, and it’s safe.
But life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
While the comfort zone is your safe place where nothing really happens, that’s just the problem. Nothing happens.
And it keeps you from seizing opportunities because the unfamiliar can be scary.
It can be difficult to come out of your comfort zone. It can take a lot of work. Especially when leaving it can lead to a rise in anxiety.
We are ruled by our habits. We do things the way we always have because it’s comfortable. If we haven’t done something in awhile we get into the mindset that we can’t.
But fear can be an important thing. While it might help keeps us safe, it limits us because we find the comfort too enticing that we don’t want to leave.
So, why enter “The Danger Zone” and the unknown?
Change can bring fear and uncertainty. While your comfort zone might feel safe and secure, you may also end up feeling bored and stuck. I know I did.
My comfort zone has always been a place I didn’t really want to come out of. I was too afraid of the bad things that could happen, that I stayed in it as much as possible. My own little bubble.
And because of that, I never looked for new opportunities. I was miserable where I worked but wouldn’t do anything about it. Because at the time, it was all I knew.
I was sick all the time, but still I stayed.
I was afraid of the rejection and felt that it was all I was worth.
So even though I was miserable, that fear of the unknown held me back.
It took constant dizzy spells and being forced into working longer for me to realise that I couldn’t do it anymore and I finally took the plunge and I quit. It wasn’t easy and it terrified me to my very core.
But it was a good thing. And I finally felt free.
I sometimes think of the things that I was afraid to do, and the things that I missed out on over the years.
So if life begins at the end of your comfort zone, how can you get out of it? Where do you start trying to figure out how to get out of your comfort zone?
How to get out of your comfort zone
Take it one step at a time
Take the first step. Don’t be afraid to start slow. It can be scary to make huge leaps into the unknown. Start with something small, test the waters and see how you go. It may be just what you need.
Set your sights on your goal.
Write down what you want to achieve, and what you need to do to get there. Break it up into manageable steps, and work on it bit by bit. And just remember, each step you achieve and cross off brings you that bit closer to getting to your goal.
Do your usual things differently
Take a different route, try different foods or find somewhere new to eat. Change is not a bad thing. Just different. And the more you try something new, the easier it will become.
Do the things that you’re afraid to do
It’s usually easier said then done, but it’s often the only way to conquer your fears. Face it head on, and it can no longer control you.
Realise that accomplishments are not always easy
If you want something, you have to fight for it. The more determined you are, the more it will be worth it when you succeed.
Remind yourself that tomorrow is another day
If you can’t do it today, pick yourself up and try again tomorrow. The important thing is to never give up. Keep that goal in your sights and work towards achieving it. Just because you couldn’t do it today, doesn’t mean you can’t do it tomorrow.
Everyone’s comfort zone is different and only you will know how far to push yourself and how to get out of your comfort zone.
Every step you accomplish will have you feeling stronger and like you have learned more about what you’re capable of.
Doing new things and taking that plunge can be scary. But it can be so exhilarating when we are able to do something we never thought we could.
Your comfort zone kills your productivity, because without deadlines, expectations or the need to do something, we often find it to easy to do the minimum we have to do to get by. There is no drive, no ambition. No yearning to learn new things and reach our full potential.
My comfort zone will always be a place I like to retreat to and spend much of my time in. But I now also realise the importance of getting out of it every now and then.
Some of the best things that happen in your life happen outside of your comfort zone. If you can step out of it from time to time, who knows what you can achieve.
As Neale Donald Walsch said, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
Once you find out how to get out of your comfort zone, it gets easier over time. It’s about getting the confidence to take that first step.
How do you get out of your comfort zone?
August 23, 2018 @ 12:06 pm
It’s so easy to get caught up in a routine and stay in your comfort zone. Every day is a new opportunity to expand and if today just doesn’t work, there is always tomorrow!
August 24, 2018 @ 11:10 am
Yes, there is always tomorrow to try again.
August 23, 2018 @ 8:35 am
I completely agree with you! I’ve always tried to live out of my comfort zone and haven’t looked back.
August 24, 2018 @ 10:40 am
That’s amazing. Good for you.
August 23, 2018 @ 8:48 am
Yes most of the time we want to be in our comfort zone. Good article. I like the first point most take one step at a time. Its true we want to do everything at a time.
August 24, 2018 @ 10:44 am
It definitely makes it more manageable.
August 23, 2018 @ 9:18 am
Nicely written. I do believe that the best way to start is with small steps. But hey sometimes you’re just ready for something big.
Thanks for sharing. My theme on instagram this week is on this topic. Check it out.
Judy @sensibledove
August 24, 2018 @ 10:49 am
Thank you. With small steps at least you’re always moving forward, but it you can take that huge leap – go for it.
August 23, 2018 @ 10:14 am
Great post. Stepping out of your comfort zone is hard., but nothing is ever going to change if you don’t take that step. There’s a lot of changes I need to make and take those first steps can be so hard.
August 24, 2018 @ 10:50 am
The first steps are definitely the hardest, but that means it can only get easier. Good luck.
August 23, 2018 @ 11:22 am
It’s so easy to stay in our safe place. I myself have found that stepping out of that place of comfort is the best place to grow. Thanks for sharing.
August 24, 2018 @ 10:55 am
It can be hard to push yourself out of that safety net, but it can be so worth it.
August 23, 2018 @ 11:58 am
Great post! Inspirational. I am a big believer that life begins only when you leave your comfort zone. But I believe, that having a set daily routine (like morning or night or weekly self-care routine) is a must if we want to avoid anxiety about living out of our comfort zone. Living our lives while doing things that makes us uncomfortable, but having a set routine that helps us stay sane is the key to being happy and successful in life!
August 24, 2018 @ 11:09 am
Absolutely. You don’t have to get rid of your comfort zone forever, just take steps out of it every now and then. That’s the idea of taking it one step at a time – it gives you time to adjust to something different and hold back if you have to until you are more confident. Having something to ground you, like a routine, would definitely help.
August 23, 2018 @ 6:59 pm
Great post! The age old saying is SO true. I think the point you made about “reminding yourself that tomorrow is a new day” is so important, as I tend to dwell on my failures and use them as reasons to not try again instead of giving myself grace and picking my head up.
August 24, 2018 @ 11:18 am
It can be hard when we’ve already been knocked down to pick ourselves back up again, but a new day is a fresh start and with more knowledge than you had before.
August 24, 2018 @ 2:13 am
Thanks for writing this post. It’s a great reminder to try something new or take baby steps towards something big. I’m actually trying to make a huge career transition right now so can totally relate to this.
August 24, 2018 @ 11:20 am
Taking it step by step makes it much more manageable, less daunting and gives us time to accept the change. Good luck.
August 25, 2018 @ 10:17 am
So true! We need to remember to do things despite our fears. Noone can change my life but me!
September 1, 2018 @ 10:30 am
Definitely.
August 26, 2018 @ 8:48 am
Nice blog
September 1, 2018 @ 10:31 am
Thank you
August 26, 2018 @ 9:51 am
We just started to live outside of our comfort zone (and far from our home country). It was a great choice. Thank you for sharing.
September 1, 2018 @ 10:32 am
That’s great, sounds like a big change. I’m glad it worked out for you.
August 26, 2018 @ 11:01 am
beautiful article. i agree with doing things you’re afraid of. I have a “life begins at the end of your comfort zone” tattooed on my back. =)
September 1, 2018 @ 10:42 am
Thank you. That’s great – you have a constant reminder.
August 29, 2018 @ 9:51 am
One has to.move out of the comfort zone to except in life…..go step by step….take risks and succeed you will..
Very well expressed…great suggestions…
Thank you
September 1, 2018 @ 11:19 am
Taking risks is definitely the way to go.
August 30, 2018 @ 8:46 am
“It’s about getting the confidence to take that first step”. That is very true. But how right?
Some of the foundations I teach about how to get that confidence has to do with some of the points you mention in the article. Essentially, I would want to highlight here to be self-compassionate, this is what is going to give us the strength to keep trying, expand our resilience and never give up!
Speak soon!
September 1, 2018 @ 11:42 am
Absolutely! Definitely need to believe you can achieve it, but also understand your limits and what is realistically achievable. Sometimes it takes many tries to succeed, and it can be so easy to give up if you don’t believe that you can do it. And you do have to give yourself the space to say that just because it didn’t happen today, doesn’t mean it won’t.
August 30, 2018 @ 8:47 am
Great article! I think the first step is always the hardest! once you start, you are unstoppable!!
September 1, 2018 @ 2:21 pm
Thank you. Yes, you just have to get over that first hurdle.
August 30, 2018 @ 9:00 am
So true! It’s like stepping in the ocean. The waves seem to want to push you out, but they go back to the sea and call you in. It’s a test. Life tests us a lot, but we are strong. Our safety bubbles will break at some point. And when they break on their own…we’ll be defenseless. We better break them at our own pace. Great post!
September 7, 2018 @ 10:51 am
Yes, everything is better on your own terms, when you call the shots. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
August 30, 2018 @ 9:32 am
i always believe this. we are pushed to the limits when we are out of our comfort zones. there in the not so safe places will we grow as a person. thanks for sharing!
September 7, 2018 @ 10:55 am
Definitely, have to get out of it to grow.
August 30, 2018 @ 2:50 pm
One’s comfort zone does feel somewhat safe but it represents in some instances lack of fulfillment, lack of self confidence, and acceptance of mediocrity. I like when you said that life begins st the end of your comfort zone as I take it as a challenge. Thanks or sharing.
September 7, 2018 @ 11:08 am
Absolutely, it’s definitely a challenge. Especially for those who do lack self confidence, or feel that it’s all there is to life.
August 30, 2018 @ 3:42 pm
Great post! It’s always scary to try something new, but it’s worth the experience. Pushing the limits is beneficial on the long run. Thanks for sharing!
September 7, 2018 @ 11:10 am
Thank you. Yes, it’s scary but worth it in the end.
August 30, 2018 @ 4:12 pm
thank you for sharing. I also finally took the steps to quit a job that I wasted 10 yrs of my life at. However, since then I have not been able to figure out what to really do next, so much time has gone by I don’t know what my real passion is.
September 7, 2018 @ 11:14 am
Feels like such a waste, doesn’t it? I hope you find something you love to do. Maybe it will find you in time, but in the mean time maybe you could try focusing more on the things you enjoy doing and what makes you happy.
August 30, 2018 @ 5:33 pm
I love the point about doing something that scares you. My friend group is currently planning to zip line on a trip to Vegas, we’re all stepping out of our comfort zone together. Maybe that’s another way people can get out of their zone, by stepping out of it with a friend. Thanks for the interesting post!
September 7, 2018 @ 11:19 am
That sounds exciting, and scary. That’s definitely a great idea – courage in numbers. Knowing you’re not alone is a great way to get a confidence boost and tackle the things you’re afraid to do.
August 30, 2018 @ 10:58 pm
Love the “do your usual things differently.” The starting phase is always tricky, but after taking the first two steps, getting out of your comfort zone gets easier.
September 7, 2018 @ 11:21 am
Yes, getting started is often the hardest part of all.
September 6, 2018 @ 8:49 am
This is so very true! And something most of us try not to experience. But you’re so right! Getting out of your comfort zone will expand your horizons! Personal growth is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves.
September 7, 2018 @ 11:23 am
Yes, there’s a whole world out there, and often the only thing holding us back is ourselves.
September 6, 2018 @ 10:09 am
So true! Getting out of the box is the one thing that always leads to the best memories, and we all need to remember that nothing great ever came from doing things the easy way!
September 7, 2018 @ 11:29 am
Yes, the easy and safe way isn’t always the best or the most fulfilling.
September 6, 2018 @ 12:51 pm
So true. Pushing yourself to take that first step is the hardest. If we don’t go forward, there is no growth. Thanks for sharing!
September 7, 2018 @ 11:31 am
Those first steps are definitely the hardest, but it’s usually the only way to get anywhere.
September 13, 2018 @ 2:48 pm
I needed to read this post! When blogging, you have to step out of your comfort zone to grow your blog. You won’t get far if you stay within your safe zone. I’ve been stepping out of my comfort zone a bit this past week and it’s amazing what you can achieve when you do!
September 14, 2018 @ 8:59 am
I totally agree with this message you’re bringing and I love the way you wrote it down and that you gave some good practical tips! I think that could really help people even more to get out of their comfort zone!
September 14, 2018 @ 10:42 am
I love your writing Candice :). I feel like I’m getting to know myself all over again since I lost my mum & think I need to reassess where my comfort zone is. Thanks for the wake up call
September 19, 2018 @ 9:26 am
Thank you. That must be difficult, and I would imagine for awhile everything would feel like it’s outside your comfort zone.
September 16, 2018 @ 5:43 am
I’ve learned early on that the only way to truly live is to live outside of our comfort zone. I like to quietly jump into things. I find that I discover and learn so much when I do that.
September 19, 2018 @ 9:22 am
There’s so much to learn and discover when we can get out of our comfort zones.
October 8, 2018 @ 3:39 pm
Great posts! I just came across your blog and will definitely start following it! Lots of great content here.
October 25, 2018 @ 1:05 pm
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
October 20, 2018 @ 1:34 pm
TRUTH! We can all use a reminder of the simple steps we can make to take that first step out of our comfort zone.
October 20, 2018 @ 7:19 pm
Yes, I have always said this! Some really great insight in here, thanks for sharing 🙂
October 25, 2018 @ 8:53 am
I sang in a choir, was soooo nervous, but the feeling after was incredible. Now I can’t wait to go back each week.
October 25, 2018 @ 9:41 am
I needed this one. I’ve been writing professionally for years, but stepping out and starting my own website was a huge risk for me. I’m seeing low traffic, and it’s difficult not to be discouraged especially when you’re doing all the things the experts recommend. Trying to be patient with myself and the process because the site is very new, less than 1 year old.
October 25, 2018 @ 12:56 pm
I *loved* this, and it was just the reminder that I needed. I once wrote that, despite looking different for different people, courage was exactly the same for everyone: the crossing of a single line between the familiar and the unfamiliar, the safe and the unsafe.
I definitely need to go digging for that piece I wrote.
Thank you for the reminder. I sorely needed it.
October 27, 2018 @ 2:17 pm
This is SO true. I force myself regularly to go out of my comfort zone….so difficult. But each time, I grow. My latest source of growth is selling Avon. I HATE knocking on doors or going up to complete strangers to introduce myself. However, I force myself to do it. In doing so, my business is starting to grow ?…and so am I!
November 3, 2018 @ 6:57 pm
I agree that it’s good to take baby steps. The past few years I’ve been a hermit, so even just hanging out with people besides my boyfriend gets me out of my comfort zone. So at first I might either do something where my boyfriend can come with me or there’s a minimal amount of talking involved, because talking to someone one-on-one after all this time is going to be awkward.
November 4, 2018 @ 9:27 am
I love that you mention that you must understand that accomplishments are not easy. I truly feel that people get discouraged too quickly and begin to think negatively. If it were easy everyone would do it, right?
November 4, 2018 @ 10:06 am
Absolutely! All the most worthwhile things I’ve done in my life have been a little bit scary, but they paid off tenfold!
November 4, 2018 @ 10:57 am
Exactly! That’s why I got that phrase tattooed om my back. =)
November 8, 2018 @ 7:41 am
I agree! after doing it is when you realice was not that scary!! is always good to try 🙂
November 8, 2018 @ 8:25 am
This is so true! Our need for safety can be very dangerous because it prevents us from living fully. Using small steps to face our fears is a great advice to succeed 🙂 Thank you for sharing it! 🙂
November 8, 2018 @ 8:34 am
Interesting, but true. As an expat living in South America, I love living outside my comfort zone.
November 8, 2018 @ 2:41 pm
This was a great, inspirational post. I totally agree that we need to live outside our comfort zone. It’s too easy to get stuck in a routine and get comfortable doing the same things over and over but there are so many things out there to see and do and experience. I’m trying hard to make sure my girls learn that it’s important to live outside of their comfort zone. Last summer we had a “Summer of New Experiences” where every day we did something that was new and different. Some were big but most were just everyday things that they hadn’t experienced yet. Now they have started to ask me to do things they never wanted (or never thought about) doing before! I’m hoping this sense of adventure continues so they don’t experience the anxiety that often comes with age.
November 8, 2018 @ 8:56 pm
Great Read!! You are so right!
February 17, 2019 @ 7:43 am
A great, motivating read, thank you.