Stepping out of your comfort zone is hard. Some people think I'm crazy for not wanting to call someone I don't know on the phone, but I've rarely ever done it.
I rarely even call people I do know on the phone. So when it comes time to call a stranger, I often get nervous and push it off, because it's far outside my comfort zone. However, since I've moved away from college I have started pushing my comfort zone. Whether it's talking to new people or trying new food. Pushing your comfort zone is the only way to change if you're unhappy with something in your life. It also comes with many other benefits.
Here are a few things that happen when you step outside your comfort zone:
1) You meet people you would never have otherwise.
I was insanely shy growing up, now If I have an opportunity to meet someone new I jump on it when possible. I've met some amazing people stepping out of my comfort zone and I know I'll meet tons more. I'm still shy in certain situations, so I still have a bit to go.
2) You go places you would never have ever gone to.
Whether it's a party across town or the other side of the world, stepping out of my comfort zone has taken me to some crazy places.
3) You fail.
Stepping outside your comfort zone can come with risk. Whether that's losing money, getting rejected, or being embarrassed. It's going to happen, but that's okay. You'll learn more from mistakes outside your comfort zone than not making mistakes inside it.
4. You get back up.
Once you fail you have to get back up, you can't retreat back into your comfort zone. Doing so will make stepping out of it a waste of time and delay you from doing whatever it is you set out to do.
5. You succeed.
After you fail, well you'll probably fail again, but eventually, you will succeed, and it will taste even sweeter after your failures.
6. You learn about yourself.
You might find new hobbies, new food, or new friends. Whatever it is, you will discover something new about yourself and it will be worth it in the end.
7. You grow your comfort zone.
Once you step outside your comfort zone enough, well you become comfortable. So you have to step out of it again, and again. Some people will find a spot in their comfort zone that they are content with and that's okay, but others will keep stepping out until the end.
