How To Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Stepping outside my comfort zone and throwing myself in situations is one of the best decisions I've made. Why you ask? Well, it made me the person I am today. So what exactly is a comfort zone? To put it simply 'a place where you don't have to do anything new or different'. 

We've all heard people tell us to step outside our comfort zone but this is easier said than done.

Luckily I've learned some things along the way that have allowed me to grow, meet amazing people and have cool experiences. So, I'm going to be sharing the things I've learned which were uncomfortable at first but things that bought me happiness, excitement, opportunities, and experiences.

Before moving to a new city for my undergraduate studies, I was someone who loved staying home and was afraid of trying new things. I barely had any memories and remember every day being the same. I was also closed-minded and didn't know what living life truly meant. It wasn't until I moved out that I discovered endless opportunities and realized that anything is possible.

Here are some of the things I did to step outside the comfort zone.

1. Leave the house

If you don't leave the house, how do you expect to be presented with opportunities, experiences, and memories? If you're a natural introvert who wants to step outside your comfort zone but afraid to, start small and start with one thing. For instance, go on a walk one day or meet someone you haven't spoken to in ages. This way you're learning about yourself, start realizing your likes/dislikes, and decide if it's for you. 

2. Learn something new

This can be anything. Perhaps you wanted to learn to play that guitar that's been sitting in your garage for ages? You wanted to sign up for an online course to enhance your skill set? You wanted to take a cooking class to learn new dishes for your family? Whatever it is - do it. You'll only regret not trying. The experience can teach you so much. 

3. Get out there

My university held a range of events throughout the year and it wasn't until my second year that I decided to attend an event and interact with other students. If you want to experience new things or see how something is like then you need to get out there. Who knows what you'll do? what you'll learn? who you'll meet? what will happen next? Life is too short. 

4. Meet new people

You learn so much about someone after an initial conversation that it could lead to beautiful friendships and much more. Meeting new people is a great way to see things from someone else's perspective, share your common interests, go out with and make memories with. You never know who you'll come across so start by sparking up a conversation and see what happens. 

5. Pursue your passion

Ever since I started blogging, I've met amazing people, collaborated on projects, featured in podcasts, and much more. If there's something your passionate about and I mean truly passionate about then start pursuing it. You don't want your life to be work, work, work. You want to start living for yourself and that starts with pursuing whatever it is that sparks a light in you, that gets you out of bed in the morning, that brings you joy.

6. Do what scares you

This is one that will really require you to step outside your comfort zone. I had a fear of public speaking like so many people. It's something I never saw myself doing and resulted in a lot of anxiety. It wasn't until I started speaking to groups of people (that got bigger) that I was able to get better at it and more confident. The fear of public speaking started decreasing and now I'm confident to talk in front of hundreds of people in one room. Always think 'What's the worst that could happen?'. 

7. Change your perspective

If you don't change your perspective, how do you expect to grow and try new things? All it requires is a mental switch and when you do that, anything becomes possible. Literally. The power really is in your hands. Learn to stop listening to that negative voice in your head and start saying 'yes' and 'can' more often.  

8. Small steps

If you have a goal your working towards and feel like it'll never be achievable, I'm here to tell you it is. Start breaking down the goal into small steps because once you start, you won't stop until you get there. Your attitude will change and you'll be more motivated to achieve your goal. Remember, you're in control.  

"Everything you ever wanted is one step outside your comfort zone."

Adeeba x