Let me tell you about something that terrifies me: photoshoots.
Yep. Even the person who runs a business and shows up online all the time. I get sweaty palms at the thought of standing in front of a camera. Add in wearing clothes I love but don’t feel 100% confident in? Forget it. My brain starts spinning with every reason why I should just wear my standard jeans and tee.
But here’s what I’m learning (slowly, and with a lot of deep breaths): the magic doesn’t happen in your comfort zone.
It happens when you say hello to someone you don’t know. When you do the thing that scares you. And even when you wear the outfit, take the photo, send the email, or make the move you’ve been avoiding.
Your comfort zone is cozy. It’s safe and predictable. But it’s also where dreams go to collect dust. And if you’re wondering, yes, this post is a reminder for myself too..
Why We Stay Stuck (Even When We Know Better)
Our brains are wired to keep us safe. That’s their job. So when we think about doing something new or uncomfortable, our brain sounds the alarm: Danger! Unknown territory! Abort mission!
But for most of us, what we’re afraid of isn’t actually dangerous. It’s just unfamiliar. Things like:
- Starting a conversation with a stranger (It won’t kill you, even though it feels like it might)
- Posting that photo of yourself (Which in almost all cases won’t ruin your life)
- Trying something new (Even if you fail the first time, it won’t define you)
- Speaking up in a meeting (All eyeballs will be on you, but it won’t make everyone hate you)
We’re not running from saber-toothed tigers anymore, and our brains just haven’t caught up. The simple fact is we’re all just trying to live our lives and get through each day.
What Happens When You Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
I won’t lie to you—it’s going to be uncomfortable at first. That’s why I call it the uncomfortable zone. Once you get past that initial discomfort, something really cool happens…
You grow. All of a sudden, you realize things about yourself you didn’t know before. And you start to understand you’re way more capable of accomplishing things than you thought.
After a while, doors start to open for you. Not by themselves, no. You’ve made new connections, found new opportunities, and have experiences that don’t show up in your comfort zone. They only show up when you take a risk and try something that scares you.
Your confidence blossoms. Every time you do something you’re afraid of doing, and survive (Spoiler Alert: you will), the next time, it gets a little less scary.
Your life slowly starts to change from just existing to thriving. You no longer just go through the motions. Instead you start to really, truly live the life you’ve been dreaming of.
Ready to Test the Waters?
If you’re reading this thinking, “Okay, great! I want to step out of my comfort zone, but how do I actually do this?”—I’ve got you. Here are five challenges to help you start exploring that uncomfortable zone. You can choose to start small and just pick one thing and dive in and test them all. But start this week and see what happens.
1. Do One Thing That Scares You (Start Small)
You don’t have to skydive or give a TED talk. Start with something manageable. Say hi to someone new. Wear that outfit you’ve been saving for “someday.” Post the thing you’ve been overthinking. Sign up for the class. Send the email.
Your Challenge: Identify one small thing you’ve been avoiding because it feels uncomfortable and do it this week. That’s it.
2. Talk to a Stranger
I know, I know. This one makes a lot of us want to run. Including me! But striking up a conversation with someone you don’t know—at the coffee shop, in line at the store, at an event—can be surprisingly rewarding. You never know what connection or opportunity might come from it.
Your Challenge: Start a conversation with one person you don’t know this week. A simple “How’s your day going?” or “I love that [fill in the blank] that you’re wearing!” counts.
3. Show Up as Yourself (Even When It Feels Weird)
This might mean posting without a filter. Sharing an opinion you’ve been holding back. Wearing something bold (like cheetah print boots—stay tuned!). Speaking up in a meeting. Whatever “showing up as yourself” looks like for you—do it!
Your Challenge: Do one thing this week that feels authentically you. Keyword: authentically. Even if it makes you a little nervous, let people see the real you.
4. Try Something You’ve Never Done Before
Take a different route to work. Try a new coffee order. Sign up for a class that intrigues you. Go to that event solo. Do something—anything—you’ve never done before.
Your Challenge: Add one new experience to your week. It doesn’t have to be life-changing, but it does have to be new to you.
5. Revisit That Thing on Your List
You know the one. The goal, project, or dream you’ve been sitting on for weeks, months, or years. The thing you keep saying you’ll do “eventually.” Take one step toward it. Just one. Even if it’s a teeny, tiny baby step.
Your Challenge: Pick one thing from your “someday” list and take one action step this week to get closer to accomplishing it. Research it. Schedule it. Start it. Just move the needle forward.
Here’s the Truth: You’re Ready
You might not feel ready to leave your comfort zone. And you might even feel scared, unsure, or completely out of your depth. But I can promise you, you’re ready.
Because the truth is, you don’t wait until you feel confident to do the thing. You do the thing, and then you feel confident. Hence, the photoshoot.
And yes, I still get nervous before photoshoots. I still second-guess myself when I wear something outside my usual uniform. And sometimes I hesitate before saying hello to someone new. But I do it anyway. And every time I do, I’m reminded that the magic really does live outside my comfort zone.
It’s Your Move, Friend!
So here’s my challenge to you: Pick one of the tips above—or create your own—and do one thing this week that makes you a little uncomfortable. Not reckless or dangerous. Just… new. Unfamiliar. And maybe a little scary.
Then watch what happens. Because I promise you, the magic is waiting. You just have to step outside to find it.
