We Know Everything, But the Comfort Zone Feels Better

Have you been in a situation where you understand that something is beneficial to you, but you still don't comply with it? You are not the only one. Many people get themselves into a place of safety, where they are reluctant to step out, even when they have a clear understanding of the situation. We can talk about where the problem arises from and how you can make the necessary changes in your life.

Your Comfort Zone....

Think of your comfort zone as a comfy, warm blanket on a cold day. It makes you feel nice and warm and safe. You always know what to expect, and there are no surprises. No wonder you like to be there, right? Sometimes, however, sticking with something familiar to you holds you back from evolution and limits you in the formation of new experiences.

Why We Stay Comfortable

Even when we know we should try something new or make a change, we often choose to stay where we are. We, for example, keep to the point:

• Fear of the unknown: New things are always frightening.
• Habit: We're already so used to doing it a certain way.
• Lack of energy: Change requires effort and sometimes we may be weary.
• Self-doubt: We possibly think that we can't have a good performance.

The Cost of Comfort

Just being in your comfort zone may be the current state of ease, but it's a minus in many ways:

• Missing out on new experiences
• Not learning new skills
• Feeling stuck or bored
• Not reaching your full potential
• Small Steps to Big Changes

You don't need to make very big jumps in order to start growing. Here are some little steps that you can take:

• Try one new food every week.
• Go to work or school via a different route.
• Start a conversation with one of the people you haven't met before at a party.
• Discover one new word on a daily basis.
• Devote 10 minutes per day to a hobby that is currently new to you.

Embracing Discomfort

Transformation sometimes happens when the situation is a bit uncomfortable. It is similar to the way exercise can be - often you might not like it while you are doing it but you get the reward after. Every time you engage in something new or hard, you improve yourself a little bit.

The Power of "Yet"

Whenever you restrain the saying of "I cannot do that," suppose the word "yet" is added at the end. "I do not know French yet." This single word can alter your state of mind and bring out new options.

Learning from Others

Identify people who are sources of motivation. They do not have to be famous - they might be your friends, family, or colleagues. How are they doing it differently? How were they able to get to where they are? Their experiences might give you courage to also do something for yourself.

Celebrating Small Wins

All the times you challenge the status quo, that is, your comfort zone, even to a small extent, rejoice in it! Have you for once attempted to speak up in a silent meeting instead of keeping with your normal quiet, introspective self? That indeed deserves a treat! These small achievements are the propellers that will steer you to greatness.

Being Kind to Yourself

Transitioning is not always light. It's possible that you might try out something new which will not be a successful experience. This would be okay! Be lenient towards yourself. One thing to remember is, everybody makes mistakes when they're learning.

The Joy of Discovery

At the point that you start to explore further than your comfort zone expecting the discovery of new hobbies you might like. Probably you'll fall in love with a new leisure activity, make a new companion, or get to know a different side of yourself.

Finding Your Balance

Do you really want to live in a comfort zone exclusively? Rules of a rest and the things we like are among our demands. The question is to find the right mixture of them. You might like to discover something new every week, but on the other hand, you should be comfortable and new in other places where you are used to only rest in one.

Setting Realistic Goals

When you decide to venture out of your comfort zone, it is very important to set the tasks which you can manage. So begin with some small and not very challenging tasks. Let's say you want to be more social. The first thing to do may be that you at least try to greet one new person each day. When you feel more at ease, you can aim at spending more time talking or go on outing events.

The Role of Support

Do not be ashamed to look for help if you are at a loss learning new things. Friends, family, or what is even better support groups, can offer you with motivation and advice. Just watching someone else do it, in turn, can be quite encouraging, if you know that someone is on your side or even if they physically are. As they say, laughter is the best medicine...

Embracing Failure as Learning

Be ready also for the possibility that you might not always be successful in your attempts at learning new things. That is absolutely fine! Each failure gives you an opportunity to learn something. Choose to continue and work out a different solution the next time, rather than quit the activity.

The Rewards of Growth

Once the process of trying out new things and breaking out of your comfort zone begins, you may want to see such a transformation. You can see yourself as more skilled, or you might come across new opportunities that did not exist before. These winnings can motivate you to proceed with growing and getting to know the unexplored.