Life begins outside your comfort zone

In our digital age, we are constantly surrounded by the new. New technology, fads, trends and consumerisms. Conversely, when it comes to our innermost selves, many of us are strangely reluctant to embrace the new, instead finding comfort in the well-trodden paths of old habits and recognisable things we’ve been doing for years. 

Many of us hanker after new experiences, we fancy learning a language or fostering a new skill, painting, pottery or deep-sea diving. But it’s far easier to talk ourselves out of this under the premise that it’s not a useful thing to do, a waste of time (and money) or maybe we’re a little scared to try it. Yet most of us instantly understand the allure of having or doing something new and how good it makes us feel. On top of that we’re likely to develop a new, useful skill and have an enjoyable time doing it. 

So, if we know this deep down, what’s stopping us from embracing new adventures? 

Why can leaving your comfort zone feel difficult?

The answer, is most probably, the comfort zone. We operate within it and feel safe and secure. We have evolved over many years to keep things as normal as possible - a way to protect us from harm. We like this safe comfort zone, and while it can be a good place to be, it can also be limiting, and may mean we continue to repeat habits that aren’t doing us any favours. On the flip side, stepping outside our comfort zone is where self-development happens and can be extremely liberating and fruitful. 

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.

- Oliver Wendell Holmes. Jr. 

What can happen when you step outside your comfort zone?

Accepting new challenges and pushing our boundaries to the edge and just over our comfort zone can make us feel excited and alive. New experiences help us to learn, grow and expand our minds. In turn this may boost our confidence, self-esteem and sense of self, and is also great for adaptability, creativity and resourcefulness. 

How can you start stepping outside your comfort zone? 

It could be anything from travelling to new destinations, meeting new people or trying new activities. The key is to give it a go. If accepting the new is not something that comes easily to you, begin with baby steps. This will help you to feel secure and trust in your abilities. Break down larger goals into manageable chunks and take time to appreciate your successes along the way. The more you do, the more your mind will expand, grow and evolve. 

New experiences: 

• Cultivate growth;
• Enhance resilience;
• Boost confidence;
• Stimulate thought;
• Encourage discussion;
• Spark imagination;
• Discover a new interest;
• Practise a skill;
• Meet different people;
• Learn what you enjoy, and what you don't.

How can coaching help you move beyond your comfort zone?

Working with an NLP Coach can help you to understand more about the role and power of your innermost thoughts, the subconscious mind, positive intention, the power of beliefs and how to let go of things that might be holding you back.

Specially-designed experiential workshops and trying new things can introduce you to a world of new experiences that will help you to expand your mind and set you on a path for lifelong learning.