We’ve all heard the phrase “The magic happens outside your comfort zone”. But what does this really mean?

The Comfort Zone

It would be helpful for us to understand what exactly the comfort zone is, before we start breaking out of it. For many of us, this is a place where we feel safe and secure, we have a routine that we are very used to and could possibly do with our eyes closed. In some ways this is a good things, but isn’t it better to do and be more than average? We think soo!

The truth is, breaking out of your comfort zone isn’t easy, it requires a lot courage, effort and dedication. You have to face the fear of the unknown head on and jump in at the deep end. You have to be able to trust in your hard work and put your faith in the future.

Scared? You should be. It’s frightening. But it’s even more rewarding.

Here’s what is takes to step out of your comfort zone and why it’s totally worth it.

Great things never come from comfort zones.

Great things never come from comfort zones.

You must make the decision alone

Doing something you have never done before, requires making a decision. A life-changing decision. And although you will never be alone on your journey, you will be on your own for this. You and only you alone can decide to take the first step. Others can encourage. They can motivate. And they can support. But they can never walk in your shoes. Your actions must come from within. Ask yourself:  What do you want to achieve? Would you like to be better at what you do? Then, make your decision to get there and make practical steps to making it happen.

There will be times when it’s hard

The truth about greatness is: Getting there is not easy. You will have doubts. You may even tell yourself that your goal is unreachable. There will even be a point when you want to quit. But this is all in your mind. Understandably, it’s scared. Your mind prefers being comfortable. Because it doesn’t know any better. It’s unaware of what’s beyond your comfort zone. You won’t get different result fi you do the same things you always do, you need to do things different, in order to get a different reaction, it’s only logical – trust us, there is so much in store.

Make a change today.

Make a change today.

Why it will all be worth it

The pain, the struggle and the doubts are all a part of your journey to greatness. Stepping out of the comfort zone proves your strength and endurance, it teaches you great discipline and determination. Something that is transferable to mostly anything we experience in life. You will see things from another point of view and even discover a new side of yourself,  and in the end, you will understand that the real magic does not only happen once you’ve broken out of your comfort zone itself, but rather the journey of getting there. So go on that journey and enjoy the ride.

Step out of your comfort zone now

Maybe apply for that senior role, start your business plans or book that solo around the world trip. Whatever it is, make it happen, and make it happen now. Be sure to surround yourself with people on the same wave as you, who have you best interests at hearts and who will push you to your limits, but also keep you motivated during your journey. These should be people you can discuss your ideas and feelings with to make sure you step out of your comfort zone and become the best version of yourself.

What will you do today that puts you out of your comfort zone?

About Shine Aloud

We are a youth led social enterprise that aims to provide creative solutions to address sexual health inequalities among marginalised groups!