If You're Not Putting Yourself Out Of Your Comfort Zone, You'll Never Experience Personal Growth

Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations isn't always an easy thing. For me personally, I'm someone who claims that they don't mind change, but deep down, it really freaks me out. Whether that's moving to new places, making new friends, eating at a restaurant alone, or even asking out a boy who is super cute, it's scary. I think we all have those 2 a.m. moments when we get the sudden urge to completely switch up our lives. Do something completely different. Reinvent ourselves. But, it's easier said than done.

It's easier to say that you want to lose weight, but actually going to the gym and eating healthier is more difficult.

It's easier to say you'll cut down on your screen time, but actually deleting social media or putting down the phone seems impossible.

It's easier to say you want to be more adventurous, but actually doing spontaneous things can seem out of your safety zone.

But, life isn't easy.

I hate to be blunt, but it's so true. Trying new things, being spontaneous and courageous, or working on improvement doesn't come easily to everyone. But, without pushing yourself to do things you would never consider, you'll be stuck. You'll never reach your full potential.

Now, imagine if you never raised your hand in class growing up. You would have never asked that question. Maybe wouldn't have passed the test. Then, would have settled for your grade.

Imagine you never stood up for your friend. Sure, being blunt is scary, but if you hadn't done that, maybe the torment would've continued.

Imagine if you never moved away from home. You would be stuck only knowing your town, your family, your friends from high school. Maybe you were supposed to meet your future spouse? Or your bridesmaid? Or your best friend? But, you never even left, so it wouldn't have happened.

Adrenaline.

Excitement.

Sugar rushes.

Caffeine overloads.

These are some examples of the good parts of being brave. These things drive you to be a little bolder. To be a little more courageous. A little more honest. Sometimes you can't do it on your own. You need things like adrenaline or excitement to fuel those moments that just always seemed out of your element.

To give some personal testimony, this summer, I decided to be a little more adventurous. More of a "yes" person instead of always making excuses to say "no." It's scary for me because I'm usually a very logical person. Don't get me wrong, I'm always down for a good time, but if it's something that is a little uncomfortable for me, I start thinking about all the facts. I psych myself out and chicken out of it. I know this is out of my comfort zone. Yet, I know it is the most beneficial thing for me at this point in my life. I have never experienced a bad situation where I step a little out of my comfort zone. Obviously, I'm not saying to go drugs or anything because that's a little too far, but by stepping out a little bit, I let go of the fear and just do it. Do it for the memories. For the experience. For myself. That's it.

Nothing happens to you if you stay stuck in your shell. You will forever be the you that you are in this moment. But, no one wants that. You aren't done growing. You aren't done changing. So, step out of your comfort zone to better yourself.

Why haven't you done it yet?