8 Ways To Step Outside Of Your Comfort Zone
We all need to step outside of our comfort zone once in a while. Not only is breaking out of our usual routine super refreshing, but it also helps us to develop as people. While it isn’t easy, it’s certainly achievable if you put your mind to it. Here are eight ways to step outside of your comfort zone!
1. Take Yourself Out of Your Usual Environment
This could be moving to a different city, eating in a restaurant on your own for the first time, or even taking a different route home from work. Whatever steers you away from the familiar, do it. Remember to start small, and build your way up.
2. Learn a New Hobby
The ultimate way to step outside of your comfort zone is to learn a new hobby. Is there a fitness class you’ve always wanted to go to but have never had the courage to attend? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to learn the Tango but have always considered yourself as having two left feet? Sign up for those classes, and don’t think twice. Even if you fall flat on your face, at least you’ll have given it a go.
If not now, when?
3. Turn Off Your Phone For 24 Hours
In the technological age of apps, likes, and selfies, the thought of being without our phones can be pretty daunting. But just for one day, get rid of your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook apps, or even turn your phone off altogether. Pick up a book you’ve always wanted to read or go for a walk in the countryside. Your notifications can wait.
4. Say Yes to More Things
Ever been invited to something truly awesome that you’ve had to turn down? Is it because you’re afraid of the unknown, or afraid of challenging yourself? Whatever the reason may be, the boundaries you’re setting yourself only exist in your head. Try to say yes to more things every day, and watch yourself grow as a person.
Life is limitless if you open your mind and just say yes. Besides, you’re far more capable than you think you are.
5. Start a Conversation With a Stranger
If the thought of interacting with new people terrifies you, it may be time to shake up the ordinary and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Sometimes, the best way to overcome your fears is by throwing yourself straight in at the deep end.
Strike up a conversation with the person next to you at the bus stop, or compliment someone on the street. While it may be an incredibly intimidating thing to do, you’ll thank yourself for it. Plus, you never know what you might learn from a stranger.
6. Make a Bucket List of Things That Truly Scare You
Instead of making a bucket list of all the things you’ve ever wanted to do, make a bucket list of all the things you’ve never wanted to do. Afraid of the dark? Go for a night walk with a friend. Scared of heights? Go skydiving. You get the gist.
7. Try Some Form of Public Speaking
Are you a budding poet or an up-and-coming comedian lacking the confidence to share your work? Your ideas deserve to be out there in the world, and only you can make that happen. Attend a public speaking event, and watch your confidence grow. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
8. Learn a New Language
If you’ve always wanted to learn a new language but have never gotten round to doing it, now’s the time. There are plenty of apps available that can help develop your skills, so get searching and get learning!
