As much as I’m embarrassed to admit it, I don’t willingly challenge myself. In school, relationships, work, etc. I tend to stay in my small bubble of a comfort zone. Even when it comes to little things, like workouts or food, I much prefer to stick with what I know. Running at an easy pace? Great. Doing speed workouts on my own? Eh, probably won’t happen. I’m particularly stubborn when it comes to the more significant decisions.
Pinterest always tells us to “push our limits,” and “do what scares us,” but in reality, that stuff is hard. However, after looking back and looking ahead, those quotes and “preachy” words of wisdom might have the right idea. This post is vague (I will share more soon) but I just needed to Think Out Loud today. Thanks, Amanda!
First, it’s important to remember that “hard” is subjective and very personal to each of us. What’s hard for you may not be hard for me, and vice-versa. But regardless, change happens when we do what’s hard, when we leave our comfort zones. If we want to grow we have to take risks.
At this stage of my life (college), I’m supposed to try new things. I have few responsibilities outside of school so this is the ideal time to take risks (although I consider them calculated risks for me ;) ). Plus, if not now, when? I keep saying things like “next year” or “tomorrow” but when that time comes I’m going to have the same excuses.
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Looking back, the things that I’m most proud of required me to challenge my comfort zone. Going to college was a huge step out of my comfort zone as I could have gone to a school closer to home or with people I knew. In the years since then I’ve taken small risks, this blog being one of them, but I’m admittedly comfortable now. I definitely don’t want to live thinking “what if,” so it’s up to me to take control of the situation. My dreams are scary, but I guess that’s a good sign…?
Unless you count my dream of winning the lottery or becoming a princess. Those aren’t the least bit scary.
Doing what’s hard can lead YOU to success/freedom/peace/whatever you want to achieve. Maybe the hard thing for you is working out. Maybe the hard thing is not working out. Maybe it’s hard to voice your opinion. Or maybe it’s hard to bite your tongue and listen to other people’s opinions.
Try on the other side for a change.
Take a leap of faith
I often tell my spin class that they should be at a “comfortably uncomfortable” place. A place that is challenging in a good way. Where are working harder than normal, but you know it’s for the right reasons.
I think it’s time for me to take my own advice. Application officially submitted.
When was the last time you left your comfort zone?
What is your dream job? Mine is a princess (somewhat kidding).
Yup! I think we all get stuck in our comfort zones. This is where we can relax and feel less stressed. Everything just goes with the flow. But we GROW when we step outside of it, even though it WILL be scary.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Italian Chickpea Casserole
It’s so hard to break away from the comfort but so worth it. Definitely scary for me!
Love this. My favorite quote is “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there” – it seriously gets me every time.
Good luck with whatever you’re next challenge is!
Georgie Morley recently posted…Sweet Potato Burgers
I’ve never heard that quote but I LOVE it. Thanks, Georgie :)
LOVE. I definitely am not good at pushing my comfort zone but when you do, it gets a little bit easier for next time :)
pickyrunner recently posted…Catch you later.
OMG seeing this comment made my day. I know you’re so right :)
Amen, sister. I am terrible with change! It’s hard to push ourselves and basically, start all over with something new. I have been thinking about this for a few weeks as this is what is stopping me from a few different opportunities.
Heather @Fit n Cookies recently posted…A Fun Little Surprise
I hate the notion of “starting all over” with something. But I think this will be a good new beginning. Hope the same happens for you!
Last year I started taking more chances, doing what I want, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. It always pays off! I am anxious and shy and less than confident so it’s hard but getting to do what I want and having good opportunities arise is the best!
Lauren recently posted…Bangin’ Good Shrimp {from The Skinnytaste Cookbook}
I’m very introverted so it’s hard to getting going for me, too. But I just couldn’t let this opportunity pass by. Glad to hear you’ve had success taking risks :)
This is a post that, first off, I love, and secondly, can largely relate to. I’m a college student as well, and while I do push myself in terms of overloading myself with classes and work (not a good thing haha), I often struggle with a lot of the same things you do. From pushing myself with my fitness (it’s oh-so easy to just do the same 30 minutes on the elliptical + my normal weight routine) to making that extra effort to hangout with friends, I find myself struggling with leading my comfort zone. One of my 2015 goals is to run after life more and be the best “me” that I can be, as cliche as that sounds!
Consider my application officially submitted as well ;)
Thank you so much! One of my favorite comments :) I hope for both of our sakes that 2015 is filled with challenges, excitement and growth.
I’m very much a “calculated risk taker,” too. I analyze most decisions I make, and if I’m not really comfortable with going for something, a lot of the time, I’ll just won’t
I think of being “comfortably uncomfortable” in terms of running all the time and that’s such great advice for life, too. Always being perfectly comfortable is pretty unexciting, and I don’t want to miss out on something amazing just because I was unsure about going for it.
Great post, Emily!
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…A Day in the Life
Thanks, Liv! I’m glad I’m not the only “calculated risk taker” :) I don’t want to miss out on anything either so I just had to bite the bullet on this one.
I think my dream job would be Race Director. I love organizing and planning things, so I think organizing and planning runs would be awesome. I find it pretty hard to take risks too. I thrive on routine, so even changing up a pretty irrelevant everyday thing can be hard for me. This is something I would like to change…after all, we only live once!
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Three Things Thursday – January 15
Oh I’ve never thought of being a race director but it sounds right up my alley! I thrive on routine too so any sort of change is tough.
Oh I am so stubborn about change as well! I think that’s why I have a difficult time stepping out of my own comfort zone. I have realized I’ve become MUCH better about it over the past 4 or 5 years. Now I do things I go into thinking I won’t enjoy…and I’m usually pleasantly surprised. Life is funny like that. And I certainly have a big year ahead of me, (wedding planning, moving to a different state for the first time in my life..etc.) so I’m ready. Let’s do this!
Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating recently posted…Vegan Banana Blueberry Muffins
So many exciting things ahead! No doubt you can tackle those challenges.