Do you ever feel yourself holding back from something you believe in or something you want to do because you fear that you will be judged?
I think many of us have found ourselves doing this.
I know I have because it can be scary to say goodbye to your comfort zone.
Staying in your comfort zone can be like wrapping yourself up in an old familiar blanket and snuggling down on your living room couch.
However, just like a caterpillar who undergoes metamorphosis, we too may never turn into a beautiful butterfly without leaving that cozy little nest we have created.
There are many reasons that we may put our full potential on the shelf or tuck it out of sight into a drawer.
You may be doing something the same way that you always have and are afraid to change it.
Maybe someone has told you that your dreams are unrealistic.
Possibly there is some negative self-talk going on: I can't do it, I don't have the time, I'm too overwhelmed, I'm too old.
Breaking out of your comfort zone can definitely feel overwhelming but it doesn't have to be.
Take small steps.
Do something different each day.
Go to a different grocery store, drive a different route to work, eat at a new restaurant, walk in a new park, try a new recipe.
Have you been wanting to write a book but are afraid of rejection ? I think the majority of writers will tell you they have been rejected, but if a book seems too much why not start with a short story or an ebook.
Have you wanted to start practicing yoga, learn how to knit, take up swimming, or go back to college?
Are you afraid to go to a class because the others may be better at it or more knowledgeable than you? They were beginners once too, and that is why they are called classes. They are there to help you.
What I have learned as I have grown older is that life is a lot shorter than we think it is.
I know that I don't want to leave this world with a bunch of regrets.
You probably don't know this about me, but promoting myself and selling things is definitely saying goodbye to my comfort zone.
These last couple of years have pushed me to get out of that zone because I have to make a living.
So today I will continue to work on ways to take more steps out of my comfort zone.
Resources:
Every time I get in my vehicle and drive to a trailhead and hike, I get out of my comfort zone. It would be easier to just stay home...that's for sure. But there are so many benefits and I'm always glad I went. I try to just make the decision and not think about it for too long and talk myself out of it. It was hot this morning but I went! And I saw 2 wild turkeys and a beautiful deer! Oh and 2 people on bikes that I've met and can greet by name! It doesn't get any better than that! Life is too short. I already have WAY too many regrets.
ReplyDeleteI too can fall into my comfort zone too much, but am so glad I have one that I love! I actually took my Van camping last weekend, by myself, which is way out of my comfort zone. It was a baby step as was at my sister's property, but I was away from the house, and felt pretty aline. Just driving it alone and driving down that steep gravel road was enough to make me feel pretty brave! taking baby steps......maybe next time I'll go to a real campground all alone!
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to stay in our comfort zones, and most days we probably don't even think about doing something outside of it. So now you've got me thinking........
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