6 Reasons Why You Should Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Humans have habits and routines; plain and simple. We have a set way of doing things and we are comforted by knowing what to expect and when to expect it. It doesn't always happen intentionally, but one way or another, you form some kind of schedule for yourself and then abide by it.

This isn't a bad thing by any means. It feels good to have a set idea of what your day, week or month looks like. Patterns can help provide us with a sense of security and there's no shame in that. The only downside to this is that it can get a bit boring and we box ourselves into our own idea of a comfort zone.

Sure, predictability can be great but it's nice to add a little spontaneity to our lives every now and then. However, it may be at the point in your life where the idea of going with the flow or being surprised seems completely awful. It can be uncomfortable to stop writing everything down and planning everything out because it's what we're used to, but it could be exactly what you need.

Allowing the possibility of new scenarios to occur will help push you out of your comfort zone; the place where you may be unsure how you ended up. The set routine is nice but doesn't provide a challenge. If you're looking for a way to break out of your habits, here are 6 reasons to remind you why it's worth a try:

1. Sense of Accomplishment

Trying something new, no matter how big or small, always results in a nice little ego boost. When we do something different and take a chance, it feels good to know you pushed yourself. Getting out of your comfort zone means challenging yourself and you'll feel awesome about it.

2. Confidence

Just like feeling accomplished, the idea of achieving something that wasn't expected of yourself will have you feeling confident. You may have underestimated yourself or had your doubts, so when you actually go for it and go to a party where you don't know many people or join a new club and enjoy yourself, you're going to be feeling really positive about who you are and where you stand.

3. Social Life

Getting out of your comfort zone could also mean making new friends along the way. Maybe you've signed up for a new class at the gym or a reading group; this is a great way to meet people who are involved and share a common interest. These new experiences could mean making a new best friend.

4. Sense of Adventure

The first time you challenge yourself to do something out of the ordinary is the hardest and the scariest. Once you overcome the initial fear and see yourself prosper from it, you'll be dying to try something new again.

The routine you once thought you couldn't live without may be replaced with a new found sense of adventure; you may want to or be open to trying new things more frequently.

5. Conquers Anxieties or Fears

Similarly to conquering a challenge, you're also tackling anxieties and fears head on. You may be hesitant because trying something new is scary for you or because it gives you feelings of anxiety, and this is normal.

The reason you could be experiencing the initial feelings of anxiety or fear is because you haven't stepped outside your box, so this is really nerve wracking for you. Just remember, you are definitely not alone, and these feelings are common.

Once you put yourself out there, every other time after that, the anxiety will dissipate and become less and less. It's the first leap of faith that makes us the most nervous, but after that it's a piece of cake.

6. Promotes Self-Awareness

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will also allow you to get to know yourself on a better level. Whenever you are forced to rise above and face an internal battle is when you are able to see your true colors.

Putting yourself in unknown or new scenarios allows you to understand how you react in situations you've never experienced. This will generate a better sense of self, and can also allow you to pin-point what you really like about yourself, and what you'd like to improve or work on.