As humans, we strive for the ideal of being the best. But often we fall short and settle for the familiar. After all, the familiar is comfortable, convenient and peaceful, but it also leads to complacency. Myopic minds cannot see beyond the comfort zone. Our near-sightedness has us fixated on ourselves, and our narrow-mindedness refuses to be challenged.

But is that any way to live?

The world is not a comfortable place, and you cannot stay stagnant forever. Eventually, the wind will change and you will have to move to somewhere new, somewhere unfamiliar. The roads are new and confusing and you lack a sense of direction, the people hold different ideals and you have an inability to discuss, and the familiar has faded away.

The refusal to “leave the nest” or step out of our comfort zones leaves us devoid of new experiences, unchallenged in our ideas, and stagnant in growth. Living in such a way traps you, mind and body. Without new experiences, we live life in a colorless plain.

Instead, lean into discomfort. Learn how to travel, even if it is just one state over. Pick something different than everyone else. Teach yourself something new and worthwhile that you have always wanted to learn. Do something by yourself for once. Debate something that matters and listen to the conversation. Let new experiences show you what you are made of, prove to you your true convictions and teach you what you hold important.

Discover independence and what it is to be your own person. It might be scary to step out into uncharted territory, but it is necessary. It transforms you into a well-adjusted person, ready to take on the world, and prepares you for whatever the future may hold. So wherever life takes you, your ability to approach to changes can be your comfort.