Comfort zone or creature of habit

I’ve been thinking a lot about stepping out of my comfort zone. And no, I’m not talking about bungee jumping or skydiving. 

My life is pretty cozy. I work from home, set my own hours, and get out just enough to keep things interesting. I travel on average seven times per year, but let’s be honest, it’s always to the same places to visit family.

Yet, comfort can be a sneaky trap, turning into complacency — the sworn enemy of growth. So, how did I realize my life was wrapped in this comfy blanket? I felt… antsy. My spontaneous self was gasping for air. 

Invite spontaneity into your life 

Some people thrive on planning every detail — hello, pick me! But there’s magic in ditching the rigid schedule. Embracing the unexpected can sprinkle excitement and openness into your routine. 

Spontaneity is really about living in the moment. It’s about being fully engaged with the present, without letting past regrets or future worries hog the spotlight.

Learning to be spontaneous and pushing past our comfort zone demands a special energy. One that is developed over time. It doesn’t appear out of nowhere.

What’s the best way to reconnect with my spontaneous side? For me, solo travel is that unique chance to push my boundaries.

Now, you might think: But you already travel solo most of the time. True, but here’s the plot twist. I purposely dabble in “small” things that test my limits. 

When you travel it’s much easier to slip under the radar and become invisible. Think tucking yourself into a corner of a café with a book, grabbing takeout to eat back at your accommodation, or wandering through museums solo. 

Big acts of courage

On a recent trip to Paris to visit my daughter, this is how I put myself out there. Instead of my usual haunts (yes, I admit, I’m a creature of habit), I booked a hotel in a completely different arrondissement. I made a conscious effort to stay somewhere unfamiliar, treat myself to dinners, drink alone at a bar, and explore areas I’d never been to before. I even took a yoga class AND joined a sidecar motorcycle tour.  

What constitutes my normal may indeed be big acts of courage for others. Fair enough. 

Stepping out of your comfort zone shouldn’t be grand gestures or extreme adventures. It’s about those little nudges that make you feel alive and curious. 

So next time you feel that tug of complacency, remember that when you stick to what’s comfortable you miss out on what could be possible.