Let’s be honest, moving out of comfort zones willingly doesn’t come naturally to some of us. In fact, we love living in our comfort zones, because it’s comfortable! Plus, it’s familiar, it’s safe, it’s easy – what’s not to love, right? Wrong: Being stuck in a comfort zone stifles your growth mentally, emotionally , and physically at times.

COMFORT ZONE MENTALITIES

1. ” I don’t want to grow and learn new things.”

A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing grows there.

When we live in our comfort zones, our world and ways of thinking remain small because we aren’t open to stepping out into the unknown. Or maybe we fear the change, or the challenge it may bring along with it. However, comfort zones can only take you so far – stepping out of your comfort zone encourages growth and enlarges your capacity to take on more.

Are you currently living in a comfort zone?

2. ” I am afraid of the unknown.”

Fearing the unknown is a control issue. Because we do not know the external outcome, we don’t feel confident in ourselves or in our circumstances. The unknown cannot be controlled – the unknown needs to be discovered and needs to be embraced for what it is as it unfolds before us.

Easier said that done, right? Stepping out of our comfort zones requires patience, trust in ourselves, practice in the doing and the taking of small steps out of our comfort zones. The more we do it, the more familiar it becomes, and the more confident we will feel in stepping out of our comfort zones.

What are you afraid of ? What thoughts stop you from moving forward?

3. ” I am afraid of failing.”

Sometimes we give up before exploring an option, or rising up to a challenge, because we assume the worst without even trying. There was a season in my life where I lived under this mentality. I would give up without even trying. I would dismiss myself and assume that I was not capable of doing things. Boy , how wrong was I. I decided to overcome this way of thinking by taking action against it. Through the doing, I soon realised, “actually I can do it, and I am learning as I am doing it!” I believe that your confidence will grow as you step out and realise that you are more than capable of doing something that seems bigger than you.

Do you doubt yourself? If so, why? Take action against those thoughts!

4 . ” I am afraid of believing and dreaming.”

I read this quote the other day:

“Comfort zones are where dreams go to die!”

It seems a bit dark, and a bit harsh – but how true! If we remain in our comfort zones we never allow ourselves to dream, because our thinking will always be small and stuck in what is familiar and comfortable.

Dreaming and taking action in moving closer towards those dreams requires action and faith. This means doing things that are unfamiliar. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want the years to pass by knowing that my ability to dream and live boldly passed by with it.

What dreams have you avoided exploring due to fear?

Be fearless. Have the courage to take risks. Go where there are no guarantees. Get out of your comfort zone even if it means being uncomfortable. The road less travelled is sometimes fraught with barricades, bumps, and uncharted terrain. But it is on that road where your character is truly tested. Have the courage to accept that you are not perfect, and that no one else is, and that is okay!
– Katie Courie

I firmly believe that God created us to live a life that we enjoy, not just endure! What is stopping you from moving out of your comfort zone, and how do you intend to move past it?