Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone – A Recipe for Change

Article by Nicole Graham.

2010 is a year of change for many – and for some, it has started of as the “same old, same old” routine of the years gone by.  Stepping out of your comfort zone can be daunting, frightening and challenging.  If you’re looking to spice up your life, or just try something new here is a recipe for change.

Must Have Ingredients:

- Courage
- Resolve
- Pen and Paper
- A friend or two
- An open mind
- A smile

Considerations:

Clothing – do you find yourself wearing the same things, day in and day out?  Or do you buy the same shirt or shoes in many different colours?  Next time you’re out shopping, try something new.  You don’t have to change your whole look, instead reassess your accessories – it’s amazing what a scarf, chunky bracelet or long beaded necklace can do to a look.

Workshop or Class – have you always wanted to learn to dance?  Or would networking help you promote your business?  Going somewhere by yourself can be scary, especially if you’re not an extrovert or have the gift of the gab.  This is where a friend or two can come in handy.  Find someone in the same situation and make a pact to attend the workshop, event or class together.  You don’t have to commit to a year long program, if its dance lessons sign up for 6 classes to test the waters, or if it’s networking, agree to attend every second month.  You never know you might meet likeminded people and really enjoy yourself.

Passions – what are your passions?  Could it be photography, painting, animals, nature, historical walks or food?  Whatever it might be, take some time out and explore the options of becoming involved in a group who share your passion.  You already have something in common with the others in the group, so that may take the edge of any anxieties of stepping out of your comfort zone.

Feel Good Feeling – how do you feel after someone has given you a compliment? Or said something nice about you?  If you’re shy, offering a compliment is a great way to start a conversation, or even just getting use to speaking to people you don’t know.  You could also tell family and friends how much you appreciate them – not only will you feel good, the other person will too.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Six Activities – write down six activities you have been interested in trying but haven’t had the chance or have been too scared to do so.  Next, write next to each activity what has stopped you from completing the activity.

2. Six Others – from the considerations list above, write down six things that tickle your fancy and will make you smile.

Your 12 activities could include trying a new restaurant, planting an herb garden, writing a letter to a friend telling them how much you appreciate them, learning to ice skate or going for a walk somewhere new.  It doesn’t have to be earth shattering; it can be as small as trying a new recipe, rearranging your bedroom or adjusting your daily routine.

3. One New Thing A Month – using your 12 activities listed, commit to trying one new thing a month.  You could involve your family and friends, or you might choose to do each activity by yourself.  Either way, by making a commitment, writing it down you will have a loose plan that offers you guidance in moving forward.
 
4. Getting Clear – write next to each activity (a) what research do you need to do, (b) in which month you plan to complete the activity, and (c) who you can invite to join you.

Now that you’ve got your 12 activities, with commitment dates, you can step out of your comfort zone with a clear path in front of you.  Enjoy!
© 2010 Nicole Graham

Nicole Graham is a certified Soul Coach, Spiritual Life Coach and Goddess Facilitator.  Nicole’s aim is to help every day women live an empowered and fulfilled life by offering personal development opportunities through coaching, women’s circles and goddess gatherings.  Explore Nicole’s services at www.moderngoddessonline.com.