How Do You Know When It’s “Ok” To Stay in Your Comfort Zone Vs. Time to Try Something New?

Ask yourself, “who benefits when I get out of my comfort zone?” If getting out of your comfort zone means you will experience personal growth, then it is time to try something new. However, if your decision is influenced by someone else, you are less likely to reap the benefits of getting out of your comfort zone. If someone else pushes you to get out of your comfort zone, then it is “okay” to stay in your comfort zone.

What Signs Should You Look for to Know It’s Time to Get Out of the Comfort Zone?

Signs that you need to get out of your comfort zone include;

  • You have self-doubt
  • You have normalized procrastination
  • You avoid conversations with new people because you fear they will view you in a different light
  • You have stagnation in your life

Do You Have Any Tips for People Who Want to, But Are Scared?

Start small and gradually increase your distance from your comfort zone. Moving a greater distance or doing activities that make you more susceptible to anxiety can throw you at the deepest end of your comfort zone, which is not good. As a certified life coach, I advise you to;

  • Adopt new habits like going to work early, walking outdoors and reading books
  • Master a new skill
  • Practice delegation at work
  • Show kindness to others or start volunteering

Why Is This a Tension/Issue That So Many People Deal with?

Most of us fear getting out of our comfort zones because we are unsure whether things will out as planned. We think change will expose us to failure, making us worried.

Ieva Kubiliute

Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She's also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it! When she’s not typing away at her desk—or interviewing experts and case studies, Ieva winds down with yoga, a good movie and great skincare (affordable of course, there’s little she doesn’t know about budget beauty). Things that bring her endless joy: digital detoxes, oat milk lattes and long country walks (and sometimes jogs).

Nutritionist, Cornell University, MS

I believe that nutrition science is a wonderful helper both for the preventive improvement of health and adjunctive therapy in treatment. My goal is to help people improve their health and well-being without torturing themselves with unnecessary dietary restrictions. I am a supporter of a healthy lifestyle – I play sports, cycle, and swim in the lake all year round. With my work, I have been featured in Vice, Country Living, Harrods magazine, Daily Telegraph, Grazia, Women's Health, and other media outlets.

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