April 2021 Issue
Five Strategies to Help You Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
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Written by Joan Herrmann
How many times have you heard, the best step you can take to grow as a person is to step outside your comfort zone and take risks? This is the theme of just about every self-help book I have ever read, and it has been stated to me by just about every person I have interviewed. I take this advice to heart, and it governs most everything I do. But, even as a staunch practitioner, it’s not always easy advice to follow. We are wired to avoid risks, so opening ourselves up to possible pain seems contradictory to all that is wise. But, playing it safe seldom leads to achieving goals and growth. Experiencing what may not always be a favorable outcome, while not enjoyable, really does have positive results. A few years ago I was invited to attend a black tie charity event for an organization in which I am involved. My initial response was to decline the invitation because I would be attending by myself and I would not know anyone there. Since my divorce I had gotten accustomed to going to functions alone, but I knew this event would be different and uncomfortable for me. Not allowing fear to govern my actions, with the belief that I must step out of my comfort zone, and because I wanted to support the organization, I agreed to attend. I purchased a new dress, did the whole glam thing, and psyched myself up for a wonderful evening! As I drove to the car valet, I watched car after car of couples emerge and enter the venue, two by two, like animals boarding Noah’s Ark. A feeling of dread built inside of me as everything I imagined
