Step outside your comfort zone to grow as an individual.
We all have a threshold for being uncomfortable. How high that threshold is varies from person to person.
The higher your threshold, the more comfortable you are with being uncomfortable. However, there are steps
you can take to make stepping outside your comfort zone easier regardless of your natural comfort level.
The importance of being uncomfortable for personal growth and setting priorities
Foods beneficial to mood are considered "feel-good foods" or "brain foods."1 Below you will find foods
that promote excellent brain health.
There are many situations where we must be uncomfortable in order to grow and learn. For example, if you want
to become stronger, you must lift weights that are heavy. If you want to improve your writing skills, you
should write more often.
If you always stay in your comfort zone and avoid situations where you might fail or be uncomfortable, then
there is no way for you to grow as an individual.
Why some people are more comfortable being uncomfortable
Some people are naturally more comfortable trying new things in life; this is the opposite of what is known as behavioral inhibition.
However, some people are more comfortable being uncomfortable simply because they have chosen to constantly stretch their limits.
These people are already in the habit of pushing themselves to their limits so they know what it is like to be outside of their
comfort zone. These same individuals have an increased tolerance for discomfort because they have become desensitized over time.
Constantly facing new difficult situations and learning from them has left them stronger than they were before.
At first, it will be hard to feel comfortable experiencing new situations, but as you gain experience and learn from your mistakes
it will become easier.
What's the difference between being uncomfortable and being scared?
A dietary term referred to as "eat the rainbow" or "eat by color" is based on the concept that fruits and vegetables
offer nutritional benefits depending on their color.3
What is the difference between being scared and being uncomfortable? Being uncomfortable means that you are in a
situation where things are unfamiliar, outside the norm, and unpredictable. In contrast, being scared implies
fear or anxiety about something dangerous happening to yourself or others.
You can be uncomfortable without being scared. Being uncomfortable is a normal and healthy part of life that
can't be avoided. When faced with something new or different, most people experience some degree of discomfort
at first but they usually adapt to the situation after getting used to it.
The key is knowledge and practice; gaining familiarity with any new situation. If on the other hand, you
experience intense fear or anxiety in new situations, this could be a sign of a mental health issue that
needs separate attention.1
How to embrace discomfort
Embracing discomfort won't be easy, but it's necessary if you want to experience personal growth. The first step is recognizing
the things that make you uncomfortable and knowing how they make you feel. This will enable you to identify what types of
experiences to seek out. Knowing the unique triggers that make you uncomfortable and facing those challenges instead of
turning away from them is the best way to learn and grow.
Below are some ways to embrace discomfort:
Take risks and challenge yourself by doing uncomfortable things
Do something that you're uncomfortable doing, even if it doesn't result in immediate positive feedback or reward. Having
the experience of "doing" builds confidence and helps build skills to deal with future problems that may arise outside of
your comfort zone.
Try new things like a new food or new activity
Be open-minded and flexible. This broadens your horizons and exposes you to new experiences that can be beneficial
in helping you grow as a person.
Explore new experiences even if they are different than what you are used to
Be a student of the world and ask questions. By doing so, you will learn new things and be exposed to different
people and backgrounds. This will make your life more fulfilling even if it makes it uncomfortable at times.
Get comfortable with discomfort in social settings
Try being more social and accepting the discomfort that comes with it. Over time, you will become a better
conversationalist, learn how to interact with people in different settings, and make new friends.
Take the risk of being rejected and feel the discomfort that comes with it. Taking chances helps you grow as
a person. Most people will admire you because they know how much courage it took to take such action.
Get comfortable being different
Embrace standing out instead of trying to be like everyone else. Doing so helps you realize that it's okay
not to fit in with the crowd and that there are other people who feel the same way as you do.
Get comfortable challenging beliefs, ideas, or opinions of yourself and others
Get curious and ask questions. Doing so helps you realize that there are many different perspectives in the
world and it's okay to have your own.
Make a list of five activities
Make a list of five things that you'd really like to do that make you uncomfortable. Make a promise to
yourself to slowly go through your list and complete the tasks.
How to feel less vulnerable when outside your comfort zone
It's easy to start feeling vulnerable when you're outside your comfort zone. How can you feel less
vulnerable? Below are some tips on how to feel less vulnerable when you're outside your comfort zone.
Start small when trying something new
The best way to start is with baby steps, such as taking one step every day towards the direction that
interests you. How does this help? It works because it gradually exposes you to a new experience. How
can you take baby steps instead of skipping straight ahead?
Tell yourself that other people are also outside their comfort zone too
Everyone's in a different situation, so remember not everyone has it easy. Even though it might look
like they do, it's important to remember that everyone is going through their own difficulties. How
does this help? If you see someone else struggling you may realize you're not the only person who
gets nervous or uncomfortable.
Practice mindfulness and meditation to stay grounded.
The next time you're in an uncomfortable situation, try to remain calm and repeat a mantra that
will keep your mind from spiraling out of control. For example, you might choose to say things like
"I am safe, I am strong" or imagine your emotions washing away with each wave that crashes onto the shore.
Do activities with a friend or get some practice
How can you make your list of five activities more comfortable? For some, it is as simple as doing
them with a friend. Others may need practice beforehand or at least know how they work to feel more
comfortable. In other words, get support or do some research.