When was the last time you got out of your comfort zone? And whenever that was, did you do it willingly or were you forced to?

We all have a comfort zone. It’s our personal haven where we feel the most safe and secure. And if given the chance, people would stay in their comfort zones 24/7 without ever trying to leave them.

But, that isn’t reality. At one point or another, we all have to get “uncomfortable” to do whatever we need to do, regardless of by will or with no other choice.

If you struggle with stepping outside your comfort zone, there are many ways that can help you! They range from something as small as ordering a different menu item, to something big like taking on a major challenge. So with that being said, here are 7 ways to get out of your comfort zone!

1.) Change your daily routine

If you have a certain routine you do every day, try to change it up a bit. Eat something different for breakfast, change your route to school or work, or try a different place for lunch. When you get home, do something other than what you would normally do. Little changes like these can make a big difference in your day.

2.) Try a new hobby

Try a new hobby. Learn how to play an instrument you may enjoy, or a sport you‘re interested in. Dabble in art you’ve been wanting to try for the longest. If you already know how to do these, you can always learn another instrument, sport, or form of art. Trying new hobbies allows you to experience more things about yourself!

3.) Set a major goal to accomplish

Set a major goal you think you can handle and work to complete it. If you love writing, you can take on a major writing challenge like completing a novel in 3 months. If you love to run, you can train for a marathon that’s coming up. Setting goals like this will require a lot of self-discipline, and once you’ve accomplished them, you’ll feel more empowered to achieve more similar goals!

4.) Say “yes” more

Be open to trying more things. If your friend asks you to see a movie you’re on the fence about, just say yes. If you give it a chance, you may end up liking it. Instead of driving past that restaurant that serves food you think you won’t like, stop by and see what they have to offer. Saying “yes” more can open yourself to more experiences.

5.) Explore

Explore places in your community you’ve never been to before. Whether it’s a park, a museum, or a famous “point of interest” in town. You may discover some interesting areas and come across more fun things to do.

6.) Confront a fear

Confront a fear you have. You don’t have to go to extreme lengths to conquer it right away. You can take it one step at a time. If someone is afraid of heights, they wouldn’t book the next skydiving session immediately. Instead, they would slowly work their way up to higher places over time. Confronting and conquering a fear can help build up your confidence.

7.) Show others your idea

Show your idea to the world. The thought of showing others your idea can be scary for many reasons, but that shouldn’t stop you from working on your passion. You’ll receive all types of feedback: positive, negative, and even some constructive criticism. But overall, you need to focus on how you feel about your work. If you‘re proud of it and ready to show people, then do it! How you feel about your idea is what matters the most.

These are just some of the ways that can help you step outside your comfort zone, and there are many more out there that are just as effective. I hope this list helps!

What do you do to get out of your comfort zone? Share in the comments below!