I have been thinking about this idea for a few months as my 76th birthday approaches. I tell myself that it’s not too late to push myself out of my comfort zone. We all have our comfort zone, a world where we feel comfortable and safe. We are at ease in our routine surroundings, job, community, and relationships. But here’s the catch - in our ever-changing world, life inside our comfort zone will still be tossed and turned. If we are not prepared to change with the pace of our world, we will find ourselves stuck, or worse, left behind.
Here’s a good example. Depending on your age, you have had to make changes to the way you listen to music: records, 8-tracks, cassettes, CD’s, MP3’s. Or what about the phone you have: rotary, push button, remote, cell, and who knows what is next?
I went on a cruise recently and set an intention to push myself out of my comfort zone by trying something new and different- the ripcord. Wow, I almost backed out at the last minute especially since I was the oldest one in line. I did it anyway. As you can see I was scared out of my mind. The minutes seemed like an hour. After existing the tube I felt a great deal of accomplishment that I had forced myself to step out of my comfort zone.
Confident people know that the world is constantly changing – perhaps faster than most of us desire. So, to be comfortable moving forward, we can engage in some simple habits that prepare us to think and live outside our comfort zone – even if just a little bit at a time.
1. Ask these questions:
a. What would you do if you could do anything?
b. What would you like to learn about?
c. What small changes would you like to make to your life?
2. Change your routine everyday:
a. A new restaurant or menu item
b. A new route on your daily walk
c. Morning or evening rituals
3. Experience something different on a weekly basis:
a. Visit a museum, art store, antique mall, etc.
b. Go to a kid’s soccer, baseball, or hockey game.
c. Explore a new walking trail or park.
These simple exercises can help you to stretch your comfort zone. And as we get out of our routine and try on new attitudes, behaviors and perspectives, our thinking grows, our experiences grow, and life grows too.
Join the conversation. What are you willing to do today to step out of your comfort zone?
