Bravery, I’ve learned, comes in many different forms. I used to believe that I wasn’t brave, because the thought of huge roller coasters or skydiving terrifies me and I have no interest in holding snakes or large spiders. However, I have learned that bravery means more than just doing the big things that scare you. Bravery also means doing the little things, and taking the baby steps, because those things also bring you closer and closer to breaking out of the confinement of your comfort zone. The comfort zone is a dangerous place to get stuck in.
However, people love the comfort zone. People love ordering the same meal at every restaurant, and hiding behind their cellphones in public to avoid interaction with the world. People easily find excuses to avoid doing that one thing they’ve always wanted to do, like getting that haircut, or buying that really cool pair of shoes, because it’s too risky — because it’s different. Doing something different is scary. Doing something different is brave.
It’s easy to hang out with the same people, shop at the same store and cook the same three meals every week. People love doing the same things, day after day, year after year. It’s safe and reliable to stick to the things you know. People stay in the comfort zone of life because they know their way around in it. It’s like the house you’ve lived in all your life, with your favorite chair in the corner and the flowered wallpaper that you could paint on a canvas with your eyes closed. Even the smell of the place is remarkably familiar and you feel comfortable the moment you walk inside. Sometimes people love the safety of the comfort zone so much that they start to lie to themselves about the rest of the world. They decide they don’t need anything else but to sit in their favorite chair and watch their favorite show (for the six thousandth time) while they eat macaroni and cheese. But the truth is that nothing ever grows in this place. Nothing ever happens to anyone in the comfort zone that challenges or stretches him or her to grow and become better.
The comfort zone looks different for everyone. Maybe you need to take a leap and go dye your hair the way you want it, or quit the job you hate so that you can pursue your dream of being a songwriter. Or maybe you need to start with a baby step. Smile at a stranger and tell them you like their shoes. Sign up for that club or small group you’ve been thinking about. Take an art class. Try a new dish at that new restaurant. Anything you can do to take a small step toward the door — to step outside of that comfortable place you’ve been hiding in.
Pause your show. Set your mac and cheese down, and step outside.
Be brave today.
