I’ve been known in the past to have an unhealthy relationship with my comfort zone.
comfort zone :: the place or situation where one feels safe or at ease and without stress
The interesting thing is, most of the time I don’t even realize I’m wrapped up in it… with my comfy blanket, and fluffy pillows, and a cup of hot cocoa.
I love my comfort zone.
Am I the only one?
Usually something specific happens, or God abruptly gets my attention, and I suddenly realize I’ve wallowed in my comfort zone for far too long. To the point it’s not so comfortable anymore.
And it’s time to be brave and step out of it.
5 Reasons To Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone
1 – To grow
Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new. –Brian Tracy
Stepping out of our comfort zones may feel awkward and uncomfortable, just because it’s something new. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it. We’ll grow when we take even one step out.
2 – To be challenged
I’ve learned in my life that it’s important to be able to step outside your comfort zone and be challenged with something you’re not familiar or accustomed to. That challenge will allow you to see what you can do. –J.R. Martinez
Let us not be afraid of a challenge, but be willing to embrace it. When we’re challenged, we will be able to see what we are capable of as we partner with God. We’ll become stronger because of it.
3 – To make life interesting
Be willing to step outside your comfort zone once in a while; take the risks in life that seem worth taking. The ride might not be as predictable if you’d just planted your feet and stayed put, but it will be a heck of a lot more interesting. –Edward Whitacre, Jr.
Comfort-zone living is safe living. Stepping out of them makes life an amazing adventure!
4 – To face our fears
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
When we put our faith in God, and His plans and purposes for our lives, there’s nothing we need to fear. When we allow our faith to override our fears, we can move away from what’s comfortable and into what’s best.
5 – To arrive at our final destination safely
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Matthew 16:24 MSG
When we let Jesus be in the driver’s seat, He often steers us out of our comfort zones and into areas we never dreamed existed or were even possible. He knows the way home, and as we allow Him to lead, He’ll get us there safely.
Today is a perfect day to throw off the blanket, remove the comfy pillows, and guzzle down the hot cocoa. It’s a great day to take one step out of our comfort zones toward where God is leading us. Join me, won’t you?
Take just one step. One.
I’m cheering you on!
Julie
I’m linking this post with some of my favorite Tuesday people: Holly for #TestimonyTuesday, Crystal for #IntentionallyPursuing, and Kelly for #RaRaLinkup. You’ll be encouraged when you visit them!
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Hey Julie … I’m DEFINITELY a comfort zone kinda girl. You’ve put a few challenges on the table this morning … maybe I’ll reconsider this safe spot I find myself in …
Blessings to ya’!
Hi Linda! You and me both! It’s easy to stay comfy, and sometimes we have to be intentional to move out of it. Blessings to you too!
I love my comfort zone, because I know the rules there. I know what to expect. This summer, I’m dusting off my resume (twenty years worth of dust) and exploring the possibility of a summer job. SO outside the zone! Thanks for your practical and timely tips!
Wow, Michele! How exciting! Good point about knowing the rules in our comfort zones. So true! I’ll be praying as you dust off that resume. Thank you for sharing what God is doing in your life!
You are not the only one who finds comfort in your comfort zone. I am right there with you. God has a way of leading us straight out of our comfort zone into new areas because that’s what He does. I have been on a journey to brave for the last year and God continues to point me toward things that I wold never choose on my own. Great words to remind us that God’s got us whether we are curled up with our blankets or walking an unfamiliar road.
Mary, your brave is inspiring and encouraging. I love what you share on your blog, and through social media of what God is doing in and through you. I agree… I’m glad God’s got us, no matter what. Keep going, Mary!
Allowing our faith to override our fears. Wow. I needed this for something specific I’m thinking about trying for the first time. Thanks.
Hi Betsy! I’ll be praying for this new thing you’re trying. How exciting! I appreciate you being here, friend!
You and me, Julie, you and me. I LOVE my comfort zone–it’s gets smaller and smaller the older I get, so I have to be purposeful in stepping out of us. Maybe that should be squeezing out of it ;). Thank you for the last two reminders–God leads us outside our comfort zone for our own good and he’ll keep us safe during our journeys!
Glad I’m not the only one, Anita. I’m thankful God doesn’t leave us safely tucked in that comfort zone though. How boring life would be! Thank you for stopping by, friend. Much love!