The idea of stepping outside our comfort zone is a concept that can be as exciting as it is terrifying. For many, including myself, the principle of pushing boundaries is fundamental to personal and professional development. It’s a belief that growth is beyond the edge of comfort. Yet, embracing discomfort isn’t always easy.
There are more moments than I care to admit when the temptation to avoid stepping out of my comfort zone is overpowering, and the idea of retreating behind my computer screen seems like the safer choice.
Public speaking unites many in dread, and it has been my personal Everest. The journey from sleepless nights to the nauseous feeling I used to get before walking on stage has been one fraught with self-doubt, anxiety and the all-too-familiar urge to run away. But it’s also been an area of immense personal growth for me. The exhilaration that follows the final word of a speech or presentation and the realisation that I’ve done what once seemed impossible is incomparable, and that, to me, is a tangible testament to the growth that comes from stepping out of my comfort zone.
But how far should we step outside of our comfort zone?
I think the key lies In finding a balance. Growth is all about gradual expansion, and what I like to think of as always finding the extra 1%. It’s similar to going to the gym; the right amount of pushing can lead to gaining strength, but if you push too hard, you could cause yourself an injury.
I am a firm believer that reflection also plays a crucial role in the journey of understanding how far we should step out of our comfort zones. It’s so important to look back at the moments we’ve stepped out of our comfort zones to understand what fears we’ve conquered and the growth we have indeed achieved. Having the ability to reflect is what leads to greater confidence and capabilities. Someone once said to me that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it, and that has always rung true.
Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is a deeply personal and subjective experience. I don’t believe it’s about grand gestures of bravery, but instead, the small, everyday choices to do something that scares us. Whether it’s public speaking or any other form of personal challenge, the goal is to expand our boundaries at a pace that encourages growth without overwhelming us.
So, how far should we step outside of our comfort zones?
I think it’s far enough to grow but not so far that we lose sight of who we are.
