Simple ways to step out of your comfort zone

In January I shared that my word for this year was “fearless” and that I was going to continuously push through fear and whatever else holds me back.  My usual M.O. in recent years had become to play it safe and stay where I felt comfortable.

 

Many people hear the word “fearless” and picture brave and daring crazy adventures. They think to be fearless  means you must live a life on the edge, or at least far removed from average.

Each of us has a different comfort level, a different starting point and different goals. For me, my attempts at being “fearless” have more to do with challenging those self-limiting thoughts where I have already written myself off before I even try something. I want to be open minded and receptive to what life is offering me. I want to stop playing it safe and push my boundaries.

I know many others also feel they are the ones holding themselves back, they are their own worst enemies. I am here to tell you that you can find many ways to step out of your comfort zone without doing what many would class as “daring”. Start to push your boundaries little by little and see how you feel.

 

6 simple ways to step out of your comfort zone with new experiences

1. Try a new recipe – new flavours, a new technique, break out of your food rut

2. Deviate from your favourites – your “usual” coffee order, your weekday bowl of porridge, anything you do over and over on autopilot switch to manual mode.

3. Talk to strangers – in line at the shops, in the waiting room, at a school event, a mother at the school gates

4. Explore a part of your city that you’ve never been to before – park your car and wander, find the fun in the “new”

5. Change your appearance – try new make-up; get a haircut that you dream about , but are afraid to try (nothing is permanent); buy a new outfit that is not “your style”, but you are drawn to when ogling others or pinterest or magazines.

6. Rearrange your furniture or decor – many of us “set and forget” our homes unless going for an overhaul. Add a new piece or edit out some of what you have, go browsing at a flea market or antique shop, swap pieces with a friend, paint your walls or add one brightly coloured piece.

You might notice your energy or your confidence levels increase. You might start to see things differently and notice more when you are out and about. What do you feel yourself drawn to? Can you let yourself explore more instead of playing it safe? Trust yourself and that nothing is irreversible.

 

What is one way you have pushed yourself out of your comfort zone – gently or diving in with both feet?

 

Find your simple,

Deb

I am linking up with Jess for IBOT – go check it out and find a blog you don’t normally read. You never know what great words or images await you…

Image credit: by flickr user Patrick Hoesly

Tagged as: comfort zone, fearless