Break Free: 6 Steps To Breaking Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Image via Unsplash/Daria Nepriakhina

Most of us have become professionals at creating, maintaining, and not letting go of our comfort zones. Whether it is staying in the same town because you’re afraid of the big scary world out there, staying in a relationship because it’s ‘comfortable,’ or simply buying the same exact coffee every morning, we all have that safe zone we don’t want to leave. However, how are any of us going to find that perfect restaurant we’ve been dying to eat at if we keep going to lunch at the same place every day? How are we going to meet the person of our dreams if we don’t break our everyday routine? The simple answer is, you won’t. You won’t find what you’re looking for and you won’t chase your dreams if you remain stagnant in your everyday life. So, stop playing it safe and try these six steps below to break free.

1. Move.

You don’t need to move across the country. But get out of your hometown. How will you know what you’re capable of if you don’t step foot out of the town that is all you know? Your hometown will always be there, but real growth happens when you move out of that space and build your world somewhere new.

2. Do all of the things you said you were going to.

You know that list you made of all the things you wanted to do before you die that is probably collecting dust somewhere? Why haven’t you started knocking these adventures and goals off your list? What are you waiting for? You’re not magically going to climb the Rocky Mountains if you don’t get your ass out there and make it happen.

3. Travel.

If you really want to break that comfortable bubble you’ve created, traveling is a great way to do it. Jump on a plane, go somewhere you’ve never been, and immerse yourself in that culture and way of life, even if it’s just for one week. You will most definitely gain a whole new perspective on life, and be more willing to try new things.

4. Switch up that boring daily routine.

Doing the same exact thing every single day can get very predictable and comfortable. However, even switching something as simple as your coffee order can change your whole day. Don’t let yourself get predictable. Don’t let the barista know your coffee order every morning. Don’t let your boss know exactly what you’ll do that day. Don’t do the same boring treadmill workout. Start your day in a different way, and you’re already a step closer to breaking out of that comfortable bubble.

5. Meet new people.

This ties right along with number four. In order to meet new people, you’ll have to break that boring day-to-day routine. You probably think you have all the friends you want or need, but it doesn’t hurt to meet new people with different experiences and perspectives on life. They may spark an idea in you that you didn’t think about before. You may find your new best friend. You never know, so give it a try.

6. Find a new hobby.

Maybe you’re not ready to jump on that plane and surf an Australian wave. Totally understandable, but at least try something new. Even if it is something like knitting, cooking, or sewing. A new hobby will give you a new challenge in life, and is still something different from your routine. It is one small step towards trying more and more throughout your life.

Although steps one through three may seem a little drastic and scary, there is real value in resolving to tackle some of the things that scare us or challenge us the most. If you’ve always dreamed of living in Florida, why not give it a try? What have you got to lose? If you fail, at least you can say you tried, and even a disappointment or setback is a step away from the routine toward discovery.

But if you’re not ready to make that huge leap of faith in your life involved in moving, traveling, or accomplishing a bucket-list wish, steps four through six are probably more your speed. Even the small choice of getting your coffee made a different way can be part of dedicated attempt to break your safe and comfortable bubble over time. Push yourself, challenge yourself and you will see how exciting life can become when it’s fresh and new.