If there’s one thing that most of us seek in life it is comfort. We have habits we are used to, routines we do often, and hobbies that we continue to practice. These are all things that make us who we are and we often don’t think twice about them.
One silver lining of this pandemic is that it has allowed me to take a step back and evaluate the goals that I truly want to achieve in life. The thing about these goals is that they all scare me. You might be thinking: why would you want to do something that scares you? The reason why is because I believe to truly grow as a person, stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way.
Stepping out of your comfort zone does not have to be drastic, and it can take some time and practice. So here are some tips I came up with while trying to approach ways to try new things.
- Come up with a list of new things to try
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Some things on my list include Study Abroad and interning in New York. These are these things that I know would help me grow, but I’m also super scared to do them. It’s okay to be nervous!
- Start small
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Stepping out of your comfort zone does not mean you have to pack up all your stuff and move to a different city within the next week. You can incorporate little things into your routine each day such as trying a new food item or going to the gym.
- Know that you do not have to fall in love with everything you try
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It’s normal to try something new and realize you don’t like it. You still learn about yourself in the process, so you don’t have to get defeated. Having dislikes is also a part of who we are.
- Face your fears
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As cliche, as it sounds, facing your fears, can help you work through them. Doing something you’re afraid of can help you give you the confidence to achieve life goals.
- Remember how you got to where you are now
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Think of your favorite food. There was a time when you tried that food for the first time. Think of your best friend. There was a time when you might have been nervous to say hi to each other for the first time. Some of our greatest memories and accomplishments came from experiences we once viewed as nerve-wracking!
Our routines and habits we are used to are things we should not get rid of if they make us happy. They are a part of who we are, however, there is always room to add to our personality and grow into the person we want to become. Here are some beautiful things that can happen when you step out of your comfort zone: make new friends, find your new favorite food, discover a hobby, make money, find independence, learn about yourself, bring excitement into your life!