OK, so calling comfort zones the devil could be a bit ahem, strong. Maybe.
Comfort is a good thing. We all want it. Whether it’s your shoes, your jeans, your bed, your finances we all seek some sort of comfort. I remember moving to L.A. and having to start all over with my career. I was in the struggle for real. When you jump into the job market out here looking to work in entertainment – it’s feast or famine. Everybody out here wants what you want. You are literally competing with millions. That was a scary feeling. I wanted it so bad though. I wanted to get to a place of achieving my dream. I did it. I found work in my field doing exactly what I wanted. Then came the fight to stay. To prove myself. Once I accomplished that, I was comfortable. That comfort was good for a while. Then it wasn’t.
The thing is when I get comfortable. I get antsy. I feel like I need to switch something up. I found that I missed the old me. I didn’t miss the struggle but I missed my hunger and my passion for it. I started to lose it. I decided to go on a rediscovery mission. It was not an easy decision. There’s a lot to be said for comfort. There’s this sense of security in it. Knowing what’s next, being used to a routine – that was comfortable. It wasn’t enough anymore though.
In shedding my comfort zone, I let go of the entertainment world. Scary. I became a stay at home mom. Scary. I dove into my passion of motivating other mothers. Scary. I’m starting a business. WTF Scary! All completely out of my comfort zone. The thing is, it’s bringing out the best in me. I have been taking my time and slowly building this space. Whenever I talk to someone about it the first word that comes from their mouth is passion. Everyone tells me how passionate I am about what I’m doing here. It’s true and I’m glad it’s coming through. I’d like to believe this quote is true… 😉
There’s nothing easy about stepping out of your comfort zone. The thing is, that’s where the magic is!
Here are three ways to kick your comfort zone to the curb:
- Choose to do something different. It could be anything you choose. Just something to upset the apple cart a bit. See how that change makes you feel. You never know, this “new” way make work for you!
- What are your fears? Pick one. Face it. You may even want to take baby steps and work your way up to it. But get there. It will help you become more comfortable with taking risks.
- You’re going to be nervous when stepping out of your comfort zone. Feel that fear and do it anyway.
Tell me, what’s the last thing you’ve done to push you out of your comfort zone?
29 Comments on Comfort Zones Are The Devil
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For me, baby steps are huge. I don’t like change, so I need to take it slow.
I took a job that is completely different than anything I’ve ever done. I need to make it through the next few weeks to let you know if it’s 100% worth it. (I’ve been doing this job since December. The whole higher education thing is completely different for me.)
Yes!! I love #3 feel the fear!! It is so hard but once you do it is so exciting and leaves you wanting more… I’m feeling like I haven’t done something truly scary in a while and this post is really motivating me, thank you!
I’ve found I have to push myself out of my comfort zone. But it’s worth it!
I am a big fan of my comfort zone! I know I have to step out of it when I really want to be successful or have something great happen.
I just got a new contributor for my blog this week — a huge step for someone who is afraid to hand over the reins even the least little bit.
I’m very much in my comfort zone right now. I am slowly making my way out of it and publishing some books that have been lingering. That is enough to thrust anyone.
I have a LOT
more fun when i am outside my comfort zone. Risks don’t always pay
Off but sometimes they do!
I always try to do things that are out of my comfort zone. I’ve been able to achieve things I would have never thought I was capable of.
I enjoy doing things out of my comfort zone. I find it exciting and a boost to my confidence. I think it is important for everyone to do.
All of this is so true. I absolutely love the quote about people being the prettiest when they talk about something they are passionate about. I really need to use this in the school with our kids!
I’ve had to end a few relationships that weren’t growing. They were actually making me regress. So, I snipped them from leaching on to my heart. This was a great article. Thank you for sharing with me!
This is a great post. I always think of the quote from “We Bought A Zoo”: All you need is twenty seconds on insane courage”
I have seen a similar chart and it is SO true! You have to get out of your comfort zone to really excel!
What a great post. I think that it is good to go outside your comfort zone so you can grow and learn.
Hi Camesha, I love this post. The last thing I did to push myself out of my comfort zone was to start approaching events and conferences for speaking gigs. I really feel I have a great message to share but speaking in front of hundreds of people is SCARY!! So I want to feel the fear and do it anyway. Thanks for the great tips! xo
Me and #3 are in a battle, and lately I’ve been winning. I’m loving that I’m starting to step out, I’m ready for the magic 🙂
XOXO
So true about the comfort zone! I’ve been challenged at work by doing several things Im not familiar with at all. It is challenging even if I don’t care for it much. lol
I just stepped out of my comfort zone this weekend at a blog conference! So glad I did!
LOVE this! And that quote is absolutely try. That IS where the magic is. It’s funny, but I am ansy when I am comfortable for too long too. I feel the need to change things up every so often. I like being a business owner for that reason…I have the ability to change things up when and however often I feel like it.
I just noted to someone that I think I’m getting too comfy so it’s time to switch things up. I get antsy if there’s not lofty goals in front of me to stretch out and reach. 🙂
I battle with number three. It’s good to get out of your comfort zone iso you can explore life to The fullest.
I love challenge and change. Comfort zones are nice but I get bored. 🙂
I can’t remember what’s pushed me lately. I think it might be a mom challenge I tried. I need to follow-up on it.
Great post. I am trying to set outside of my comfort zone lately with my blog. I want to start vlogging and actually doing something with my YouTube channel in the coming year.
I agree. Nothing good ever comes out of staying in your comfort zone.
Oh my goodness, how much do I love the title of this???
What stood out most to me is your recognition that you can have the hunger and fire WITHOUT the struggle! Too often our little ego minds want to wrap the two up together, when they don’t always go hand in hand.
The last thing I did to break out of my comfort zone was just this week – as much as I LOVE connecting with my tribe, I always get nervous when doing it LIVE, much less recorded on video. So I did just that with a Google hangout that I’ve shared on my blog – and honestly, it may not have been comfortable, but it sure did feel GOOD :).
This past spring I started shifting my business from solely writing and editing to writing mentoring and workshops, with a larger focus on personal projects.
While pushing yourself outside your comfort zone should be for you, if you need a little extra motivation, think about showing your kids that it’s okay to try something new, even if it’s hard or uncomfortable.
I’m constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone, but I tell you I don’t really like it. It’s hard!
But like you point out, it’s necessary.
Recently my husband and I volunteered to coach our son’s soccer team…even though neither of us know anything about soccer! It’s been so much fun and so rewarding and I am so glad we stepped outside of our comfort zone!