Trying something new to get out of your comfort zone

It was a wet Tuesday morning in mid-Wales during September. My husband and I left the comfort of our cosy hotel to wait in the car park for our guide to arrive. We were booked on a two-day off-road motorbiking trip.

Although my husband has always been a biker, I learnt to ride about two years ago when our seven-year-old son moved up from an electric motorbike to a petrol one. I didn’t want to be left out and the three of us started taking part in some off-road motorbiking events.

The rain continued to fall and shortly a rusty, shabby-looking van appeared in the car park, driven by a woman. Could this be our guide? A grey-haired lady in her 60s got out and came towards us, smiling.

Yes, this was our guide, Marianne. While we tried to hide our surprise, we easily struck up a conversation. It turns out she races sidecars competitively with a female passenger to accompany her!

Although our email communication had been with Marianne, why did I assume she was just handling the administration? Why was I expecting to be guided by a man? Why was I expecting to be the only woman riding during those two days?

Marianne taught me a lot. She was a strong, powerhouse kind of woman. She had followed her passion and set up the off-road biking business 10 years ago with her husband.

She took me out of my comfort zone during those two days, but I trusted her and she gave me confidence. My mantra, like the train puffing up the hill in the film Dumbo, was ‘I think I can, I think I can’ as we negotiated rocky slopes, deep puddles and muddy tracks.

Trying a new hobby or activity can take us beyond what feels familiar and comfortable. My experience reminded me that doing something that challenges us can also create opportunities to learn, build confidence and discover what we are capable of.

Why is it good to get out of your comfort zone?

You can learn something new

Trying something unfamiliar gives you an opportunity to learn. Whether you're taking up a new hobby, developing a skill or simply doing something differently, being a beginner can encourage you to experiment, practise and discover what works for you.

You don't have to be good at something straight away. Part of trying something new is allowing yourself the space to learn.

It can help you grow

Stepping beyond what feels familiar can challenge some of the assumptions you have about yourself. You might discover that you're more capable than you thought or find an activity you would never previously have considered.

For me, off-road motorbiking wasn't simply about learning to ride. It was also an opportunity to challenge myself and build confidence through doing something outside my usual comfort zone.

Your comfort zone can expand

Something that feels daunting the first time may begin to feel more familiar with experience. Trying new activities can help you recognise what you're comfortable with, what challenges you and where you might want to stretch yourself next.

That doesn't mean you always have to push yourself. But, if there's a hobby, interest or goal you'd like to explore and fear is holding you back, it can be worth reflecting on what a manageable first step might look like.

Could a new hobby take you out of your comfort zone?

Is there something you've always wanted to try but have talked yourself out of? Perhaps you've assumed you're not the right age, gender or type of person for it, or you're worried that you won't be very good at it.

You don't necessarily need to make a dramatic change. Taking one small step towards a new interest can be a way of finding out whether it's something you enjoy.

Would you like some support to help you to move out of your comfort zone?

A Life Coach for hobbies can enable you to find the confidence to step out of your comfort zone and into a more fulfilling life.