DANGERS OF THE COMFORT ZONE

Diagnosis:

Do you ever found yourself in a position where you feel like meeting new people and making new friends is a hustle and a task you can’t be bothered to undertake? The thought of trying something out of the ordinary is exhausting or terrifying? You don’t see how it’s possible to get out of your daily routine of things? Or, being spontaneous is just not a word you ascribe to? Well if your answers to these questions are a yes, it is safe to say that you my friend are experiencing a serious case of ‘The Comfort Zone,’ and it’s time to change your ways!

I get it, you just left your home country, you don’t know what Canada has in store for you and truly you don’t even know where to start from since you are basically starting a new life from scratch.

What is the comfort zone?

The comfort zone, according to the Cambridge dictionary, is defined as “a situation in which you feel comfortable and you do not have to do anything new or difficult.” Many of us have become victims to this notion  and I get it, who really wants to do something that makes them unease, that brings in feelings of anxiety, that makes you feel vulnerable and doesn’t offer you that security blanket that you crave ? Well that’s certainly what most of us don’t want but in life how can you personally grow if you don’t step out of your shell?

Reasons why you should avoid falling victim of the comfort zone;

1.      It will be your hindrance from living life to the fullest:

We live in an ever changing world so we constantly always have to deal with situations of change, but being in the comfort zone tends to make us fear the discomfort that change will bring. Personally, my 1st year in Canada was truly not a great experience and it was mostly attributed to the fact that I did not want to explore or experience Canada. I didn’t put much of an effort to make new friends for I was comfortable with just speaking to my friends back in Kenya online, I was sure I wouldn’t be able to relate with others since we are all from different backgrounds, I rarely engaged in any social activities for I had a negative mentality that I wouldn’t be able to form any new connections with new people. My life was basically to go to class, then go back to my room that was on campus residence and occasionally go the Rideau Mall that is just 5 minutes away from school. At first I was very comfortable with this routine so I made minimal effort in having a social life, however, eventually I started feeling depressed and lonely for I was always doing the same thing every day. I decided to stop being in denial of the fact that I am no longer in Kenya and things have to change. I slowly started attending a few of the social events that were held in my residence and from there I actually met one of my current best friends. Making a firm decision to stop being too comfortable in my own bubble, brought me some sense of joy, happiness, fulfillment and it also pushed me towards exploring the different places in Ottawa and I eventually learned my way around the city.

2.      It can KILL your drive and passion for success:

When in your comfort zone, you tend to live life without that drive or excitement, for you are always doing the same activities or always doing things in a routinely manner and for the most part you always receive the same result. With time you can begin not seeing anything special about your life or in your days when in reality we all have a special purpose in this life. Most successful people you meet will tell you that the secret behind their success is taking risks and not allowing the fear of uncertainty stop them from turning their visions or dreams into reality.

3.      Block your blessings:

The comfort zone can lead you to a series of missed opportunities. When you are in your comfort zone you tend to just let things come to you or rather wait for them to come to you but you don’t make an effort to go to them. You are in class or in a group discussion but you don’t offer your opinion or answer questions because you maybe feel like no one is paying attention anyway, what if they don’t understand my accent or you get invited to a social event but you think to yourself what will you even talk about with the people you meet, what are the chances that they will like you or you will even like them. All these self-doubt questions usually tend to be as a result of comfort.

 Snap out of it!

In order to save yourself from the dangers of the comfort zone, start by rerouting the thoughts in your brain. This is just feeling or state of mind that can be stopped just like any other feeling. Ask yourself what is the worst that could happen if I decide to take risks? If I decide to meet new people? If I decide to just simply speak up and offer my opinion in class? Sometimes even your answer is not what really happens and the worst thing actually turns out to be the best thing. You can get to meet amazing new people, you can get to form lasting friendships, you can be able to avoid all those “what if” moments and who knows you could come across a life changing opportunity. Don’t let fear and comfort hold you back so go out there and Explore! Experience ! Evolve!