Is Your Comfort Zone Holding You Back?

Everyone has a “comfort zone,” a place when your activities and behaviors fit a routine that minimizes stress and risk. When we step outside of our comfort zone, we’re taking a risk and opening ourselves up to the possibility of stress and anxiety; we’re not quite sure what will happen and how we’ll react.

While we all want to feel calm and safe, is being in your comfort zone holding you back?

The obvious answer is yes. Here are some ways it can hold you back:

• It’s keeping you from growing personally. When you are afraid of something, staying in your comfort zone keeps you from facing that fear. You stay away from situations that would put you in a position of having to face the fear in order to overcome it.
• You comfort zone can keep you from being happy. Maybe you struggle with self-confidence and self-esteem issues, which can grow unless you take steps to address them. Stepping outside your comfort zone helps you build confidence in your self and see yourself in a better light.
• Staying in your comfort zone can make you feel trapped and unhealthy. Often our comfort zone keeps us doing bad habits out of fear. You might want to be more active, run a marathon, feel less aches and pains and go on adventures. But to do any of these things means doing something that is outside of your normal routine.

When you push yourself beyond your comfort zone, you activate that sense of urgency one feels when beating deadlines and expectations. You might get more done in less time and even find smarter ways to do your tasks. It requires taking risks and handling uncertainty, which can prepare you to face unexpected changes in the future.

Here are some simple steps to push beyond your boundaries:

• Take The First Step. It is the most difficult part—taking the first step to go beyond your comfortable limit. But if you just do it, if you have courage and believe that you can do more, you can start to build momentum and keep moving. You only have to be brave for thirty seconds, enough to take the initial plunge. The rest will come naturally. You just need that first push.
• Find A Compelling Reason. Pushing yourself beyond your comfortable limits can be difficult, especially if you have made a habit of playing it safe. Finding a compelling reason to do so will keep you motivated and driven to do the things you are afraid of. Finding your “why” will keep you on track and help you go through the challenges along the way. It will remind you of the purpose of your journey and keep your motivational fire stoked.
• Do What is Uncomfortable. We often stay in our comfort zone because of fear. The only way to overcome fear is to do what you are afraid of – repeatedly and deliberately. Face your fears and you will realize that it often comes with a feeling of exhilaration. That’s what you should rely on so you can get past what holds you back. Most of the things we fear are emotional – fear of failing, or ridicule, or criticism. Take a reality check; none of these are physical dangers that could result in death or injury. Care a little less about others’ responses, and do it!
• Try Something New Every Day. To make coming out of your comfort zone a habit, do something new every day. When you get used to trying new things, you will be surprised at how change becomes less intimidating and getting out of your comfort zone becomes easier.

Pushing yourself can do wonders in your life, helping you to achieve your goals and make your dreams a reality. Balance is essential, so don’t overdo it. It is still important to have that space where you can be emotionally safe and comfortable and where you can process your experiences. Make a cycle out of advancing, then retreating and relaxing. Rather than feeling fear, it can be fun!

At the Arise Society, we provide personalized academic, therapeutic, and social support in a real-world college setting, which gives our students the skills to reach their fullest potential.