For some people, they are content with their lives. They are happy with what goes on around them and the daily routine that they go through. Now, I am not saying there is anything wrong with going through these repetitive motions, but you never know what will happen when you step out of your daily routine and furthermore, your comfort zone.

After my freshman year of high school, I wanted to transfer schools. I felt like I did not fit in and was just going through the same old motions—going to school, going to club soccer practice, and going home. I felt like I was stuck in this cycle of eat, sleep, school, soccer, and repeat. Throughout the summer going into my sophomore year, I was convinced that I would not stay at my high school much longer and that my transition to a new school would happen within the first few weeks of the start date. Although, halfway through my summer, I was introduced to something that ended up having a huge impact in and on my life, field hockey. Field hockey was a sport that I knew nothing about, and I was hesitant when it was first brought to my attention. I asked myself, 'Why would I play a new sport? Why would I put myself out there in an environment where everyone has already been friends for a year?' As August rolled around, I thought multiple times about backing out from tryouts. Even during tryouts I thought about not coming back for the second session and just walking away. Looking back, I am glad I did not. I am glad that I kept myself in that environment that made me feel a little bit uncomfortable, a place that was new to me with many different people from various backgrounds. That field hockey season was the reason I stayed at my high school. I made new friendships with girls that I did not even expect to happen. I started off barely knowing the girls and by the end of the season I was able to call them some of my best friends.

Stepping out of my comfort zone brought me my best friends, brought me opportunities, and opened my eyes to a new way of life. Our comfort zone is our natural, neutral state. It is a place where stress and anxiety are minimal, where we know what’s coming next and can plan accordingly. There’s nothing wrong with being in your comfort zone, but I got way too comfortable. I started holding myself back. I did not want to try and learn and grow because I was content. I was content with my way of life, content with the little stress that was present in my life. But I had to stop and think. How could I expect to evolve in my life if I stick to a habitat and a routine? Reaching new heights and finding myself involved risk taking. It may not always end well, but even if one fails they gain something through the experience. To fear failure is a common, natural thing that many people face. Once we conquer this fear, we find out so much about who we are and what we can do after the failure. We learn how to overcome failure.

Challenging yourself pushes you to dip into and utilize your personal store of untapped knowledge and resources. You have no idea what you’re made of unless you venture outside of your own familiar world. Even if you make mistakes or things do not go your way the first time, there is always a learning experience to take away. There is no such thing as failing because you always take something away from the situation. The real world exists beyond the bubble of our own personal thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. It is the sum of all of our experiences—not just the one’s we’re comfortable with.

So get comfortable with being uncomfortable because you never know the places you’ll go or the people you’re meet.