We’ve all likely heard the quote, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” If you’re like me, you never really thought about the importance of understanding the concept. Recently I was facilitating a group of high school students at a leadership seminar when I heard one of our speakers say, “It’s time to get out of our heads and into our bodies!” Boom. It hit me. For three days at this conference I was chanting, cheering, and dancing around to inspire the next generation to step out of their comfort zones on their way to becoming effective leaders. Little did I know that I too needed the reminder and I wanted to share it with all of you – especially those of you finishing school and embarking on the journey of your first career.
Starting at a young age, we’re given choices – opportunities. To try something new, to speak up, to go somewhere we’ve never been before. If we continuously make the choice to stay where we’ve always been, true personal and professional growth will never come. Seeking out that first job after graduation can be one of the biggest opportunities of your life. Don’t miss it! Too often I see new graduates limit themselves to what’s familiar; never even catching a glimpse of all that lies beyond that wall that is their comfort zone.
Let’s take that step (or maybe a leap) outside of where we’re comfortable and let life begin. Here are seven benefits we’ll experience by doing so:
New experiences.
This one is kind of a catch-all: think about all of the things we miss out on simply because we never try! It could be food, activities, or even travel destinations. Maybe we’re scared we won’t like it or we won’t succeed – but let me ask you this – what if the opposite is true?
Opportunity to connect with and help others.
Sometimes we carry baggage. Things we’ve experienced in life that upon first thought, we don’t want anyone else to know about. We need to be proud of the lives we’ve lived – it makes us who we are today and gives us a treasure chest full of stories to share with others. If we never share the storm we’ve walked through, others won’t know the value we carry to help them get through theirs.
Strength.
The simple act of stepping outside our comfort zone requires some strength. Doing it over and over not only gives us new experiences and opportunities, but we get stronger and better at it with each step we take. So let’s keep going!
Independence.
Many times our comfort zones encompass those people we’re comfortable with, like family and friends. If we don’t allow ourselves to grow beyond (or in addition to) where those people are – even if it means going alone – we’ll never know what or who is out there for us.
Self and social awareness.
Putting ourselves in uncomfortable situations allows us to really get in touch with our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It forces us to learn how to manage them and helps us begin to recognize them in others.
Confidence.
If you haven’t noticed, we’re building these benefits into something great. By leveraging all of the experiences and opportunities we choose to take advantage of, gaining strength and independence along the way, and looking deeper into ourselves and others, we become confident in who we are and where we’re going.
FUN!
Don’t tell anyone, but once we stop over-thinking things and get out of the limitations, judgements, or perceptions of our comfort zones we’ll find that life can be so much fun!
Together let’s understand that it’s okay to be uncomfortable because it’s totally worth the benefits we receive in return. Don’t be limited by towns, cities, or states – give yourself ALL of the opportunities that are out there. For me personally: I moved away, lived alone, rode the rollercoaster, hiked the 14’er, tried the oysters, ran the half, and am going to share my storm to open the door to help others. What treasures can you share?
Joleen Rupe-Hueftle joined Aureus Medical Group in May 2015 as a Recruiter in the Nursing division. She is now a Student Outreach Coordinator for the Rehab Therapy division. In her free time, Joleen enjoys spending time with family, running, cooking, and baking.