Experiencing new things can be nerve-wracking, especially when you have certain habits and routines that you’ve become used to, otherwise known as your “comfort zone.” It’s important to be self-aware and acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses and to work towards self-improvement by trying new things. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary, but it can also give you the chance to learn more about yourself as well as the opportunity to grow and face challenges confidently. 

• Identify what makes you uncomfortable. Make a list of things that scare you and try to take baby steps towards achieving them. Identifying your triggers can help you better understand what’s pushing you back towards your usual habits. To ease your worries, try asking yourself, “What are my fears?”, or “What do I tend to avoid?” and go from there. 

• Set goals. Goals can be helpful in getting you where you want to be and can be an easy way to get out of your comfort zone by taking smaller steps. It’s better to start small and work your way up. For example, if you want to improve your physical health, try a fitness challenge. Going to the gym can be intimidating at first, so try following along with YouTube videos you find enjoyable.  

• Develop a positive mindset. Having a positive attitude means facing challenges with optimism. Consider viewing each hurdle as an opportunity. For example, when you’re feeling nervous about trying something new, remember to be kind to yourself and know that you can try again. A positive mindset can teach you to face your fears with confidence and build resilience. 

• Enlist your support group. Whether they are friends, family members or coworkers, loved ones can help motivate you to take that leap into the unknown. Having a strong support network can also make stepping out of your comfort zone much easier because they can give you advice and comfort during hard times or times of doubt. 

• Make it fun. Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t always have to be scary. For example, if you enjoy writing but want to challenge yourself, try taking a writing class. While this might be stressful at first, working towards something you’re passionate about can make those first steps a little easier.  

Trying something new doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. The feeling of new experiences can be refreshing and exciting!