Sometimes what keeps us from getting what we want in life is our reluctance to change our routines and habits. I, myself am pretty guilty of that – a couple of times a year I’ll just keep going with the way things are because it’s safe and I am content – and that I can’t be ‘bothered’ to try something new. But honestly speaking, for me this phase is about reflecting on how far I have come, connecting with myself and getting clarity on what I truly want so I can create a new plan. It’s all about Knowing how to refocus and remembering my intentions and most importantly; it’s all progress!

“There is healing in stepping out of our comfort zone.”

So, if you feel like you are in a rut, it’s time to expand your comfort zone – otherwise seen as changing your habits! What is it that you would most love to do but are afraid to do because of the consequences?

The ability to take risks by stepping outside your comfort zone is the primary way by which we grow. But we are often afraid to take that first step. In truth, comfort zones are not really about comfort, they are about fear. Break the chains of fear to get outside. Once you do, you will learn to enjoy the process of taking risks and growing in the process.

Here are my top tips on how to get started:

Exercise 1 – As good and as bad as it can be.

1. Name three things that you would love to do but that you are afraid to try.
2. Ask yourself what would be the best and worst possible outcomes of doing each of these three things
3. Ask yourself; ‘What are my fears and anxieties?’ and write them down
4. Ask yourself; ‘How realistic are these fears and anxieties?’

Rate your score for realism on a scale of 1-10, where:

• 1 = Totally unrealistic
• 10 = Totally realistic

How realistic are your fears? If we long to do something and don’t do it, that longing can last a lifetime. Usually, our fears are irrational and groundless and our longing by far outweighs the reality of the fear.

“The further you get away from yourself, the more challenging it is. Not to be in your comfort zone is great fun.”

~Benedict Cumberbatch

Exercise 2

• What did you LOVE to do ten years ago that you don’t do now?
• Which of these things would you like to do again?
• Ask yourself why you have stopped doing these things
• Go back another ten years and repeat this exercise
• Go back as far as you can
• Now choose one thing from your list and DO IT
• How do you feel? Choose another one and another one…

“It’s not about stepping in and out of your comfort zone, it’s about expanding your comfort zone.”

There’s no room for adventure and excitement in your comfort zone; in fact, over time you might feel overwhelmed and trapped by boredom and fear. Perhaps it’s time to stretch those limits a little! Not only will your life become more exciting, but you’ll also build confidence and improve your luck!

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