8 Reasons to Wander Out of Your Comfort Zone
Posted on October 03, 2012 by Brandy Morris, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
Thinking of changing jobs, habits, or surroundings? Here are 8 reasons why wandering out of your comfort zone might be just the thing you need.
Do you know where your comfort zone is? Chances are you’re there right now and it’s possible you’ve been hanging out there for awhile. Our comfort zones are comfy because we feel generally in control there, or at least we know what to expect. We’ve been there long enough to know the politics, understand the potential failures, and how to navigate the course. So if it’s so comfy, why would you ever want to leave it? I’ve spent quite a bit of time out of my comfort zone, both intentionally and not, and have learned some things along the way. Last week I gave you boundaries to stretch to get you outside of the zone and this week I would like to share 8 reasons why it’s okay to do it:
1. Comfortable is only one measure.
When I was in college, I had this amazing couch. It was from the 70’s, was heavenly to rest on, and could seat about 5 people. The problem was, it was crazy to try to move anywhere, some of the fabric was wearing down along the sides and the aesthetic no longer fit in with the rest of my furniture. Eventually I had to leave my comfy couch behind and head to Ikea. Sometimes comfy is just not enough. Have you, or someone you know, ever stayed in a job or relationship that was really not satisfying just because it was easier than even fathoming any other possibility? If you’re going to stay in your comfort zone, make sure it’s comfy for the right reasons.
2. You might learn something!
When deeply rooted in your comfort zone, you know what to expect. If you have all of the skills you need, how could you learn anything new? Stepping outside of your comfort zone will require you to learn new skills to survive it. If you’re passionate about self-development, you probably view that as a good thing.
3. You’re going out there at some point whether you like it or not.
If you’ve ever watched the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air you probably remember seeing Jazz get kicked out of the Banks house a lot (it looks like this). That’s exactly the exit you get from your comfort zone when the universe decides to throw you a curveball. Something in your world changes unexpectedly, like losing your job or getting into an accident, and there you are far away from comfort. My theory is that spending time outside of our zone by design will better equip us to handle those moments we didn’t choose.
4. It’s where self-esteem is built.
Have you ever won a game of pool by having your opponent scratch on the 8-ball when you still have 5 balls left on the table? It’s just not as satisfying as winning because you played well, is it? For many of us, the sense of accomplishment felt from an achievement is in direct correlation with the amount of effort it took to get there. It’s that very sense of accomplishment that helps to build your self-esteem because you can say, “I did it!” Getting yourself outside of your comfort zone gives you the opportunity to overcome obstacles and challenges to make yourself proud.5. You change the world for the better.
I believe that by bettering yourself, you better the world. Let’s take it one step further. Friends and relatives have told me that my own journey has inspired them to live a healthy lifestyle just as I was inspired by the stories of others. We tend to notice that people are watching when we fail, but they are watching as we succeed too. So you improve the world simply by bettering yourself, and it’s multiplied as your actions inspire others to follow suit. It’s happening more than you realize. Step outside of your comfort zone and change the world!
6. Your comfort zone is like an elastic waistband.
People who want to “get their money’s worth” at a buffet do not enter the restaurant wearing a pair of tight jeans. True buffet enthusiasts will wear pants with an elastic waistband so that they can enjoy without abandon all of the delicious offerings. If life is a buffet, your comfort zone is the elastic waistband. Allow it (and you) to live up to its full potential by savouring as many experiences as possible. After you’ve taken a risk and been living in it for awhile, it becomes a part of your comfort zone. That’s when you’re ready to give it a little push again.
7. It’s exciting!
Iyanla Vanzant said, “If there is not pee running down your leg, you are living too small.” What she means is, take risks! Push on your limits every once in awhile and push far enough that you get exhilarated by it. When you get that feeling of nervous excitement, it’s usually because you’re about to do something big with your life. Excitement also makes for a better story to tell. If someone were to write your memoirs do you want it to be page after page outlining the same day of comfort or do you want there to be adventure and excitement woven in?
8. You don’t always have to take the bull to the china shop.
One important thing to remember is that in order to expand your comfort zone you don’t necessarily have to quit your job and move to a new country. It could be something like starting a new hobby, trying a new food or changing your hairstyle. The idea is to shake things up every once in awhile. Only you know what that change needs to be.
What areas of your life could use a little excitement? I dare you to make a small (or big!) step out of your zone and see what happens.
