Growth & Comfort Zones

Hey everyone! I have been wanting to type this post for a very long time now. I feel like these sentences have to be read. I know that it will help many of you.

As a human instinct, we tend to stay in places that are familiar to us and our nature. Such instance would be our home country, the neighborhood we have been living ever since we were born, and our primary school friends. Stepping out of our comfort zone is scary and daunting for many of us, since this is in our nature. Yet, the real growth happens when we face our fears and when we take the first step into the unknown.

Growth does not happen in the so-called ”Comfort Zone”. But why is that?

Because as humans we need to thrive. We are constantly adapting to new situations all the time, even if we don’t notice. In order to thrive and flourish as a person, we need to continue to grow in different environments. That’s why we usually see the main characters in coming-of-age movies or books, going to a different place that is unfamiliar and novel to them. ( Hello, Pip from Great Expectations)

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.

Though, the process is not easy. First, we step into the ”fear zone”, where we might feel like we lack confidence, get affected by others’ opinions. But, in the meantime, we start to learn and step into the ”learning zone”, where we learn more about our true nature and acquire new skills.

In the ” learning zone”, we extend our comfort zone, we acquire new skills and we might encounter more challenges, but we learn how to deal with them.

Real ”growth” happens in the next stage. This is where thrive, achieve our goals and dreams, find our true purpose in life.

Recently, I made a decision to step out of my comfort zone. I’m scared, like, actually scared. Terrified would be the best word for it. Nevertheless, I know that I need this in order to ”grow”.

I’ve been living in the same house and same city for 24 years now, and I crave change. I want to meet new people. I want to visit new cafes and places. I sometimes find myself thinking that ”Should I give up on this decision?” because, let’s be honest, giving up is always easier to accomplish something. Yet, if your dream is big and it wants you to step out of your comfort bubble, you need to do this. For yourself, for your visions and your manifestations.

My dad always says that if you don’t put a lot of effort into your future in the present moment, you will need to work harder in the future. I feel like this is very true. Every bit of hard work pays off ,in the end.

Although, you might feel terrified now to take that first step, what I would advise is to take one step at a time. Take baby steps. For example, because of my social anxiety, I sometimes find it hard to go to the local cafe, but I tell myself that if I go there, I’ll be able to enjoy a cup of coffee and get some fresh air.

Trust me, small steps will help you before you take a huge step in the life. And you’ll be glad that you took that step.

Let’s meet in the comments down below! Do you think stepping out from our comfort zones is important for us to thrive?

Until next time,

x Penny

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38 responses to “Growth & Comfort Zones”

  1. Oh I love this Penny! Stepping out of my comfort zone is something I’ve struggled with for a while now yet I know how important it is to grow as a person. I think taking it in baby steps is a really good approach, and I’m actually starting uni in September which I think will really help with this! Thank you so much for sharing, good luck with your journey x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much Ceri! I’m sooo happy to hear that you are starting uni this September, that’s such a huge step and I’m very proud of you! I will hopefully pursue my postgraduate studies abroad this year too, so I really need luck 😀 thank you so much for reading, means a lot to me x Pen

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much! Good luck with your postgraduate studies abroad too, I’m sure you’ll smash it x

        Liked by 1 person

  2. An inspiring read. Theres a quote that says, ‘Growth starts at the end of our comfort zones.’

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love this quote! Thank you so much for reading x

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  3. I agree with this reflection so much! I used to shy away from change and do my best to stay in my comfort zones until I realized that every time I have done something difficult or new, I have changed for the better.

    I look forward now to the changes and opportunities in my life to grow. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Stepping out of my comfort zone has been something I have been avoiding for a few years. However, I have already made huge steps to become more confident trying new things or things I have always wanted to do, but was worried I couldn’t. Thank you for sharing this lovely motivational read.

    Lauren – bournemouthgirl x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m so happy to hear that you have made a huge step to become more confident in trying new things! You are amazing and so proud of you! Thank you so much for reading Lauren, I appreciate it xx Penny

      Liked by 1 person

  5. This is such a wonderful reminder and I think it plays into so many different aspects of life. I’m terrible about facing change. I hate it. My anxiety spikes so badly that I can’t think straight sometimes. But I know it’s important in order to grow. So thank you for sharing this and nudging me towards doing things differently. And I’m wishing you the best with your own version of growth!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I know, change is very scary, but stepping out from our comfort zones is really worth it in the long-run! I’m very glad that this little post has helped you, Stephanie! Thank you so much for reading x

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  6. Stepping out of comfort zone is scary but often fun.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, exactly! Thank you so much for reading Jamie. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Great post and agree! Some of the biggest decisions can often mean stepping out of our comfort zones and are often worth it x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, exactly! Thank you so much for reading. xx

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  8. I have been in a situation like this before. Feeling comfortable always will be the reason to lose for me. I have to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone.I totally agree with what you say. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Yes, challenging ourselves to get out of our comfort zone is really important for our growth! Thank you so much for reading Fransic!

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  9. I don’t mind getting out of my comfort zone. If anything, I like getting out for some air and new experiences. I’m happy you’ve made a decision to get out of your comfort zone. Enjoy the change. Thanks for sharing x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s amazing and thank you, means a lot to me 🙂 Thank you so much for reading and commenting xx

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  10. Sometimes stepping out of our comfort zone is necessary; it can be scary but ultimately it will be an experience we grow from (good or bad). I think we know when it’s time to step out of where we’ve been for a while — good luck with you next step out in life!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, Molly, exactly! & thank you so much for reading x

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  11. I needed this post. I try to move out of my comfort zone more, but it can be hard sometimes, moving from a safe and familiar situation. It was refreshing to hear about your experience, as it is comforting to know others ask themselves similar questions when they move out of their comfort zone.

    Thank you for sharing! I think stepping out from your comfort zone is important, as it helps us grow, change and see what the world has to offer. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, it really can be daunting, but in the end it really is worth it. I’m pleased to hear that you have found my experience refreshing. 🙂 Thank you so much for reading and commenting, means a lot to me. x Penny

      Liked by 1 person

  12. This is beautifully written lovely, thank you so much for sharing it with us. I’m someone who 100% finds it hard to step out my comfort zone but as you’ve written, taking baby steps is he way forward and I’ll for sure be taking that advice and applying it to my everyday life. Great post Xo

    Elle – ellegracedeveson.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for commenting, Elle! Yes, exactly! Thank you so much for reading xx Penny

      Liked by 1 person

  13. To reach our goals, we need to muster the courage to take the first step. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be very challenging… but I think it is absolutely essential for growth.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, exactly Fritzie! Thank you so much for reading and commenting. x Penny

      Liked by 1 person

  14. You have explained everything very well and your dad is a smart man. I wish you well in your new endeavors. Cheers

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Aw, he says thanks, Billy! & thank you so much for your wishes!

      Like

  15. Great post with a lot to think about! I think comfort zones are great, especially when you’re going through bad periods of mental health or something like that. But you’re so right, in terms of personal growth, stepping outside your comfort zone, even just a little bit, can do the world of good!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, exactly Jenny! Thank you so much for commenting and reading, means a lot to me xx

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  16. Incredible post Penny! Stepping out of your comfort zone is so important for growth. If we stay where we’re comfortable, it means we’re not trying anything new to evolve or challenge ourselves. I read a quote a long time ago that’s along the lines of “if it scares you, then you’re doing it right.” It’s stuck with me since and has been a great reminder to always choose the option that seems scarier because it’s unfamiliar and new. Thank you for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Exactly, you worded it very correctly! ❤ Thank you so much for reading! x

      Liked by 1 person

  17. This post is great and is definitely something people need to hear. We actually have two posts coming out next month that touch on growth and comfort zones. You should keep an eye for them in mid-June. Thank you for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Definitely agree with this! It’s so important to try and push out of your comfort zone but it’s definitely something I struggle with. Baby steps are the only way sometimes or there’d be no movement at all x

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    1. Exactly! Thank you so much for reading and commenting x

      Like

  19. Great blog post and it is so true we achieve and grow when we step outside our comfort zone and do thing we don’t normally do!! Thank you for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Great things can happen when we venture out. This was such a beautiful reminder of that. I remind myself daily of the importance of baby steps… it’s like I coach myself into that idea to prevent me from spiraling down with fear and doubt. It’s not easy all the time but it’s better than letting ourselves be sitting in the corner, too scared to try. Thank you, Penny, you write beautifully 😘

    Liked by 1 person

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