Many opportunities for adventure and fun are lost if you stay in your comfort zone. To make life more enjoyable, try doing new things that require courage. Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone! Although difficult at first, challenging new adventures make life feel more fun and meaningful. For that, take advantage of this opportunity as much as possible by thinking positively about plans to leave your comfort zone, then apply new mindsets and behaviors for the future.
Step
Method 1 of 13: Define activities that make you feel uncomfortable
Step 1. Think of some activities that make you feel afraid or anxious
Make a list on a piece of paper, then specify one of the activities you want to do in the first order. Other activities can be done later. These notes can help you develop a plan for how to leave your comfort zone. Instead of just thinking about it, specific written ideas force you to put your plans into action through action.
An example of a list of challenging activities you want to do: parachuting practice, tasting spicy food, reading horror stories, getting to know new friends in the community
Method 2 of 13: Ask yourself why you want to do an activity you don't like
Step 1. Determine one or more reasons
Think about what you want to gain or achieve so that you want to seek new experiences. Once answered, write it down on a piece of paper or on your phone's lock screen so you can read it if you want to cancel your plan. These notes are useful for reminding why you want to leave your comfort zone so you can stay energized.
- For example, if you want to make new friends in your community, say to yourself: "I have a lot of friends, but I haven't met a suitable life partner yet. Who knows, I may meet my soul mate this time!"
- Another example, you want to move to another city, but are afraid of losing friends and relatives in your hometown. Remind yourself why you want to move, for example because of a more prospective job offer and the opportunity to meet new friends.
Method 3 of 13: Get someone ready to provide support
Step 1. Doing a new activity alone can often feel more challenging
You can count on a friend or family member to get out of your comfort zone! Bring someone who is adventurous to accompany you on new experiences. If you plan on hiking in a new location every week, do it with friends! Reaching the finish line of the hiking track with friends feels more fun. Plus, he's a companion so you feel more secure when exploring new locations.
Make sure he understands what you want to do and wants to be with you. For example, if you are interested in learning to cook, take a friend who likes to cook with you to a class
Method 4 of 13: Do some research for more information
Step 1. You will feel better prepared for a new activity if you have relevant information
It's natural to wonder when you want to do something new. Work around this by reading the information on the website so you don't get confused, even more excited about change! Make sure you look for information through reliable sources so that you feel better prepared because you have the knowledge you need.
- For example, you want to move from Jakarta to New York, but don't know what daily life is like there. Do your research by looking for information through websites about New York City's atmosphere, public transportation, and recreational facilities available there.
- Go to the.gov,.org, or.edu websites for as much information as possible. Don't access websites that have typos or formatting problems.
- Websites can provide a lot of useful information, but they can also overwhelm you. Do not let you imagine scary things that may not happen because of reading articles or writings that are not relevant.
Method 5 of 13: Create a step-by-step activity plan
Step 1. You don't need to jump right into a very challenging new activity
If you choose a new activity that demands more courage, identify some other activities that will help you get to the "top of the mountain" step by step. Gradually overcoming your fear makes you better prepared for new experiences. Imagine you are learning to swim. First of all, you will practice in a shallow pool. Over time, you will dare to practice in the deepest pool when you can float!
For example, you want to be a parachutist, but are very scared at the thought of jumping from an airplane. To prepare, stand on the top floor of a skyscraper and look down. Then, do activities that require you to be at a certain height, such as parasailing or bungee jumping
Method 6 of 13: Give yourself an ultimatum
Step 1. Don't let you give up
Tell yourself that you will be doing a new activity. If that doesn't work, you'll need to cancel the daily activities you really enjoy. For example, you want to take a painting class, but are worried because you have never painted before. Also, you suddenly feel afraid that you can't paint. Tell yourself: You can't watch a new episode of your favorite TV show if you don't take painting lessons.
- You don't have to do any new, less enjoyable activities, but at least you've tried it once to make the right decision.
- As an ultimatum, give a sanction that has a mental impact, but if it doesn't work, give it a physical sanction, for example: "You can't drink coffee for a month if you don't take a painting course."
Method 7 of 13: Overcome fear with positive thinking
Step 1. Take the challenge as an opportunity to develop yourself
The biggest obstacle that keeps you from leaving your comfort zone is fear, especially the fear of failure. Instead of thinking about the possibility of failure, think of leaving your comfort zone as a valuable opportunity. Maybe you are just one step away from starting a new better life!
- Leaving your comfort zone can make you feel happier and more prosperous. Focus your mind on the possibility of a change for the better to overcome the fear.
- For example, you want to take an assessment to get a promotion at work, but are afraid you won't pass. Instead of dwelling on disappointing results, imagine what might happen if you were promoted!
Method 8 of 13: Encourage yourself to overcome your fear
Step 1. Inner chat can be very helpful in situations like this
If you feel afraid of leaving your comfort zone, repeat positive phrases to motivate yourself. Use your name and first person pronouns to be more effective.
- For example, say to yourself: "[Your name], I know you're scared, but you're going to do it anyway. Imagine how much fun it would be to pass your assessment and get a raise! You're smart and brave."
- Take a moment to be alone in a quiet place or in a private bathroom, then have an inner chat out loud while looking in the mirror.
- This tip is especially effective when you want to take the final step. For example, you're on an airplane and ready to jump in for your first parachute jump. Do not give up!
Method 9 of 13: Relieve stress by breathing deeply
Step 1. Take a deep breath while imagining the cool clean air filling the abdominal cavity
As you inhale, visualize that you are inhaling confidence. If the stomach is full of air, this feeling remains in the heart. Exhale while expelling fear and worry from the heart. These tips make you feel relaxed and able to enjoy new challenging experiences because you are not distracted by stress, worry, or fear.
This exercise is especially beneficial if you do it every day or when you need a very high level of confidence. For example, take a few deep breaths before meeting a new friend
Method 10 of 13: Imagine the worst-case scenario for controlling fear
Step 1. Ask yourself:
"What's the worst possible outcome?" Imagine the solution if something unexpected happens. You'll be overjoyed to have a good experience when you're prepared for the worst-case scenario!
- Don't answer questions with extreme possibilities, for example: "I could die." If you answered like this, follow up by thinking about how impossible this is.
- For example, you want to travel around Indonesia, but all you can think about is what if you were stuck in the forest because your car broke down or ran out of fuel. Make a plan to prepare yourself! Bring spare fuel in jerry cans and communication tools to call for help in case of an emergency.
Method 11 of 13: Do different daily activities than usual
Step 1. Challenge yourself through small things every day
Think about how to leave your comfort zone by taking simple actions while going about your daily life. You can overcome bigger challenges if you get used to leaving your comfort zone while going about your daily routine.
For example, dare to start a conversation with someone you don't know while shopping at the supermarket, listen to a new genre of music when you go to the office, or drink a coffee that's made differently than usual
Method 12 of 13: Change certain habits so that everyday life is not monotonous
Step 1. Do something different if your daily routine makes you feel bored
Find out what daily activities feel boring or monotonous. If you buy coffee at one shop every morning, try coffee at another. Take the opportunity to gain new experiences by changing your daily routine.
- Maybe you meet a barista at another coffee shop. You may also find your favorite coffee blend that is different than usual. Take every opportunity you get while living your daily life to leave your comfort zone and make life more enjoyable!
- Life is more meaningful and quality even though you make changes only through simple things. If you've been ordering vanilla ice cream, try the caramel ice cream next time.
Method 13 of 13: Use everyday experiences as learning opportunities
Step 1. Change the way you view everyday life
Begin to see daily activities as opportunities to learn something new. However, this can happen if you leave your comfort zone and continue to look for ways to improve yourself.
Read a favorite book that has been stored in a drawer. Buy fashion magazines that feature eccentric fashion styles. Choose a different route to the office. Lots of new knowledge to learn about everyday life if you want to explore a different side
Tips
Leaving the comfort zone usually takes a lot of time. Do not give up! Be patient and believe that nothing is impossible in this world
Warning
- It's good if you don't know what's going to happen, aren't too afraid to face danger, and are more willing to take risks, but don't ignore danger. Make sure you always stay safe and don't take risks that trigger regrets later!
- Leaving your comfort zone doesn't mean being careless or uncaring.
