Four Ways to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
Neale Donald Walsh
Here you are, standing at the edge of your comfort zone with big dreams for your future. Maybe you’re thinking of changing careers, hope to go back to school, or you want to meet someone new. But fear of the unknown is keeping you frozen in place.
Or maybe you’re stuck at the edge of what I call the “discomfort zone.” You’re trapped in a dead-end job, a failing relationship, or stuck in a rut, hating your life. But you’re too afraid to take a single step in the direction of positive change.
No matter where or why you’re stuck, the question is, how do you find the courage to take that first step?
In the movie, The Fellowship of the Ring, the hobbits, Frodo Baggins, and SamWise Gamgee, are asked to leave their homes and comfortable lives, to venture out into the world.
As they reach the edge of the shire, SamWise stops and says, “If I take one more step, it’ll be the farthest away from home I’ve ever been.”
He has come to the edge of everything he knows – the edge of his comfort zone. He hesitates a moment and then summons the courage to take that one step into the unknown. How did he do it?
Here are the 4 things Samwise did to help him move past his fear, 4 things that you can do too.
1.) Don’t go alone. When Sam’s courage falters, his traveling companion, Frodo, reaches out to him and says “Come on, Sam.” And they step out onto the road together. If you’re doubting yourself or feeling afraid, why not ask a friend to travel with you or support you along the way.
2.) Pack for comfort and success. Samwise and Frodo both have backpacks and stout sticks to help keep them safe and comfortable on their journey. What do you need to take with you to make your way easier? What makes you feel safe? What makes you feel comfortable? What if you allowed yourself to take those with you as you take that first step.
3.) Like Samwise, just take one small step at a time. Trust the steps that follow will take care of themselves. You don’t need to see destination to begin the journey.
4.) Don’t look back. Sam doesn’t look back, and neither should you. Life is about moving towards something, not away.
So, are you ready to take that first step? Who could you ask to travel with you? What could you bring with you to make you feel safe? What’s the one small step you could take today, right now, that would set you on your journey to the life you so richly deserve?
Go take that one step, and get ready for the exciting adventures that lie ahead.