How to Get Out of The Comfort Zone

I did something I’ve never done before – I became an actress in a play. I never imagined this was something that I would do, but I am glad that I did it. It got me out of my comfort zone, it introduced me to new people, the rehearsing broke me out of my normal routine, and although nervous, I did truly enjoy it. This also got me thinking of other ways on how to get out of the comfort zone.

I feel that outside your comfort zone is a place you can grow, and you can learn. Getting out of the comfort zone isn’t always easy for many people. Most people resist change and like to keep things the way they are. If more people got out there though, they would be amazed at what they would find, and what they are truly capable of. Let’s look at different ways on how to get out of the comfort zone.

Curiosity Can Bring About Change

What prompted me to be in a play? At a place that I attend regularly, there is a group that meets for play practice, and some of their plays are held there as well. Play practice is held regularly as I attend other functions in the same building, and I know a few people who participate in the plays. I’m honestly not sure what prompted me, but I mentioned if there was a very small part they could use me in, I would like to give it a try. That was the biggest part for me in breaking out of my comfort zone. Once I offered, I couldn’t back out, and they had me hooked. My curiosity got the best of me and I was about to find out what acting was all about.

The play was a comedy/dinner/murder mystery with some audience participation. I wasn’t nervous about speaking in front of people, but only nervous that I would forget a line. What I found out was that there is a lot of improvising in a play, and although I did flub one line, I still made it work and created a laugh, which was the purpose of that particular line.

It was a great night, and it was a great experience. I got to meet new people, I got to experience what it’s like to act, and I got out of my comfort zone.

If something sparks your curiosity, check it out. Get out of your comfort zone and give it a try. If it’s not what you imagine it will be like, then don’t do it again. But how do you know if you don’t give it a try.

Find New Experiences Outside the Comfort Zone

Being in a play not only gave me the experience of acting, but it brough along a couple of new experiences as well. I had never even been to a play before; I had only seen the others practice while I was passing through. Personally, I think that being a part of it was the best way to experience my first play.

Meeting others and experiencing the play and what it was like to act still wasn’t all that I experienced that was new. The night before the play we had a rehearsal at the venue where the play was being held. If it wasn’t for me being in the play, our normal evening would consist of staying home and ordering a pizza. Since we were running late that night, and we were away from home, we stopped at a pizza place that we had never been to before. Yes, it’s a small thing, but it gave us somewhere different to go, and something new to try. I liked it, my husband wasn’t as thrilled about it, but we’d never have known if we hadn’t tried it.

The night of the play, my husband came along so he could watch the play, and still be with me for the evening. We both had different experiences that night, but it was new and different for both of us in different ways, and although neither of us cared much for the food that was served, we had a lot of fun, and we had a great evening.

On the way home, as we discussed the evening, we both mentioned what we would have been doing that night if we hadn’t gone to the play. It wasn’t difficult to determine this, as we both knew all we would have done was sit at home and try to find something good on television. We both agreed that although we didn’t have the best meal, and we were both way out of our comfort zones, and we’re both not sure if we’d do it again or not, we had a good time, and we were both glad we went.

How to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone

So, you’ve decided to try breaking out of your comfort zone, but you’re not sure where to start. Simply deciding that you’re ready to start something new is the first step in stepping out.

Start small. Take a drive to the next town and try a different restaurant that you’ve never been to. Order something different off the menu that you think you’d may like but you’re not sure about. After all, you’ll never know if you don’t try. You may even find your new favorite food.

Jump in even though you may not feel you’re ready. They say if you ever wait until you’re completely ready for something before you begin, you’ll never begin anything. Yes, you’ll be nervous, but do it anyway. Opportunity can exist in places you never knew existed. Do you want to know how someone becomes successful? They jumped in before they were ready, and they learned to swim. They got out of their comfort zone and did what most others didn’t.

Volunteer at something you enjoy. Volunteering is a great way to break out of your comfort zone. They certainly can’t fire you if you can’t live up to their expectations. More than likely you would be asked to fill in a different role within their organization if your first try wasn’t a good fit. Volunteers can be so hard to find, and volunteer opportunities are all around us.

Do you like working with numbers? You can help senior citizens and low-income people with their taxes. Do you love animals? Volunteer at your local animal shelter, walking the dogs, playing with the cats, or any number of other tasks they have to do on a daily basis. Do you like art? Volunteer at your local art gallery or performing arts center. Schools, senior citizen centers, churches, shelters…the list is endless. They can all use your help, and they can all help you break out of your comfort zone.

Give It A Try

I’m actually doing several new things this year that are out of my comfort zone. From being in the play, to volunteering for a position that has me calling on people which I am extremely uncomfortable with, to taking on a particular legal challenge on my own, change has pulled me way out of my comfort zone so far this year.

There are days I completely feel overwhelmed, but I’m doing it. One of the biggest things that keeps me going is simply taking one step at a time. All together it can seem overwhelming, but when broken down and simply doing one task, and then going on to the next task, it has become manageable .

And once again, although I’m feeling overwhelmed, I am making progress. I’m taking each project one step at a time, and by also looking at these projects one step at a time, the whole doesn’t seem quite so scary.

What is great about all of this is that I am continually learning. I’m meeting new people and learning from them in one position, and I am learning a lot on legal matters, and gaining confidence in myself as I continually tackle one step after another.

I certainly wouldn’t recommend either of these options for someone who is simply wanting to try something different for the first time, but with practice there’s no saying that you won’t be able to do so much more than what I am doing now.

For now though, I urge you to step out of your comfort zone just a bit. Go to a movie by yourself, order the biggest desert on the menu that you always wanted to try, buy that outfit that you love, but you’re afraid of what others will think, learn to play a musical instrument. If you can’t think of anything that you would be willing to try, take a look at this list. It gives you great ideas from the simple to the wild. Learn how to get out of the comfort zone; it’s a great place to grow, and it’s a great place to learn.