How To Explore New Horizons By Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Have you been struggling lately with reaching a sense of fulfillment?  These are trying times, to say the least, and many people are feeling out of their comfort zone.  If you have been feeling stuck due to uncertainty, it is important to visualize what you want to create.

Always visualize, and always intend on moving forward to expand your horizons.  There is always more to any situation, and there is magic to be found within it.   One of my favorite ways to put this into practice is with dancing.  The moving body can always help us to move through stuck places.  And when we are in the flow of movement, we can get so many fresh ideas and creative sparks.

Would you believe, people that aren’t challenged much early in life don’t thrive as fully later on?  It’s true.  A lack of challenge and stimulation decreases our ability to deal with the demands of the world.  So this means that our capabilities actually decrease.  Not unlike working out a muscle, we have to put things into action and practice a number of times in order to see results.

Expanding one’s comfort zone can be scary,  or it can be exciting.

This all depends on your present perspective.  When I say present perspective, it is because as we grow, our perspectives change.  And self growth, as a human being, is inevitable.

The key is to start stepping slowly out of your comfort zone, and begin to expand your horizons.

If you remain diligent, it won’t take long to feel a shift.  A strong step in the right direction is all that’s needed, then another.  Stay focused, and take note of the results you experience.  You are sure to be surprised, and overjoyed at the results of your efforts.  Then, it’s time to move out of your comfort zone a little bit more.

Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone – A Scenario: From Introvert to Public Speaker

Let’s say you want to become comfortable with public speaking, but you are by nature, an introvert.  If it’s a real struggle for you to get out be present in crowds of people, then you probably aren’t very social.  You may even have a hard time engaging new people in conversations.

If this is the case, you are apt to avoid other people.  Yet we humans are social creatures by nature.  We have a basic need for companionship and human connection and conversation – whether we see it for ourselves or not.

It is difficult to expand our horizons when we wish to remain in our comfort zones.  Not only that, but often we can be left feeling unfulfilled and not even realize it.

If an introvert had a deep desire to become a public speaker (or podcaster, online teacher … you get the idea), they could take action by joining a public speaking club.

Or they could practice reading from a book or article and recording themselves in private in order to get used to projecting their own voice and hearing it aloud.  Again, the more we practice something (even starting with baby steps) the more likely we are to move toward our goals.

When you expand your comfort zone, you provide yourself with more options and opportunities.  And more options inevitably lead to a life with far more variety.  When you feel like you have options, you can begin to realize fulfillment!

How to Expand Your Comfort Zone (Daily Process)

Try this easy process each day:

1. Choose something from your own life that’s limiting you. Maybe it’s communicating with others.  Perhaps you’d like to be a musician, but you’re afraid to perform.  Maybe you want to become a writer but you’re too nervous about being judged.

2. Take one small step. Now think about one small, relatively easy step you could take towards realizing that new activity.  It can’t be completely without discomfort or it won’t increase your comfort zone.  Perform this activity again and again until you feel that you can take the next step.

3. Pick something else. Repeat step 2.

4. Rinse and repeat.

It really is that simple.

Increasing your comfort zone is uncomfortable and challenging, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be doing it!  The key is to move forward at a pace you can manage, but keep moving.

You’ll be so happy where you end up!

How to Move Out Of A Rut and Past Creative Blocks

When taking steps toward our goals and moving past a comfort zone, over time it is entirely natural to find oneself in a creative rut.  This simply means it is time to sense out where you are feeling stuck. 

The deeper questions here would be, are you choosing to remain stuck out of fear of moving forward?  If you feel this to be the case, you are certainly not alone. Humans tend to be creatures of comfort.

Be Honest About Where Your Comfort Zone Lies

It’s not as difficult to do when you focus on what it means.  The first step is to know what your comfort zone is or where it lies.  Try writing out what you feel the parameters of your comfort zone are.

What activities do you feel fit within this?  What are the activities, jobs, and groups of people that you tend to migrate towards?  How about your skills? Get them all down on paper in your creative journal.

What Are Your Personal Creative Goals?

Figure out what you have always wanted to do, but were either too afraid or you simply didn’t have the right skills.  Perhaps you’ve been considering starting your own creative project but have no idea how to take the leap.

First, you have to figure out what it takes to make that project work.  Talk to other creators who have created successful projects.  Then, try to find projects and ventures that match the kind you are thinking about starting, and read up about them as much as you possibly can.

Get Comfortable with Taking Chances

If you tend towards being reserved, you may need to take some deep breaths and uncover ways to step more solidly out into the world.  Consider partnering up with someone who is more inclined to take bold chances.  You can cheer each other on and hold each other accountable.

Sometimes, two people with different sets of personalities can work quite well together towards a common goal.  And as they say, opposites attract!  This certainly rings true in creative ventures, when a working relationship is solidified and trust is built.  Skills that seem to oppose each other on a personality level can fill in the blanks for each other on a working level.

Find a Coach or Mentor to Guide You

Seeking out a coach or a mentor can help you break out of your comfort zone.  Qualified coaches and mentors can guide you to taking the necessary steps towards busting through your blocks, moving out of your comfort zone, and expanding your visions!

They can help you identify where you are now and what it will take to get you where you want to go.  (Yes, I am a Creativity Coach and an Intuitive Consultant!)

Find New Classes and Activities to Try

Some people take classes to learn activities and skills that are beyond their comfort levels.  Not surprisingly, this is something that can give you the added push you need to leap into unknown territory.  

It doesn’t have to be risky to be considered outside your comfort zone.  Any activity that is new-to-you can bring you new skills or place you in situations that require you to take actions you are unfamiliar with.

New challenges, and stepping out of your comfort zone and envisioning new things for your life is always somewhat intimidating.  

When you tackle challenges for the first time, you will find subsequent challenges easier to approach and move through.  And this may just add new spark to your life that you haven’t felt in a long time! 

How can you possibly resist?