I’d like to suggest 50 ways to defy your comfort zone …

Over time we acquire habits (formed from our fears, social constructions, etc.) that are done frequently, automatically, and become extremely difficult to discontinue. Some can be good (e.g. eating clean), some can be bad (e.g. smoking), but regardless of their state, they share one thing in common: they inhibit us from change (for better or for worse).

In an era marked with ever-evolving technologies and seemingly unlimited opportunities, it is surprising, and yet not uncommon, for many of us to create habits that keep us contained within our comfort zones. Why do we do this? Simply put, because it makes life easy – and comfortable. Many of us are naturally inclined to stay in this comfortable realm and live our lives out of habit. There’s certainly nothing wrong with this; however, for many of the entrepreneurially minded, it leaves something to be desired.

Pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone doesn’t require drastic changes all at once, nor is it time sensitive. It could be something as simple as making a small change to your daily routine. So if you’re looking for a few ways to push your level of comfortability, here is a list of 50 ways to defy your comfort zone, broken down into weekly, monthly, yearly and general tasks.

Weekly

1. Try a new restaurant

2. Buy one item at the grocery store that you’ve never tried before

3. Try a drop-in class at your local recreation facility

4. Give up an hour of television a week and write handwritten letters to send in the mail

5. Take an ice cold shower

6. Get rid of something you haven’t used/worn in the past three months (the one season rule)

7. Tell someone you don’t know that they are beautiful

8. Comment on blogs that you follow

9. Walk or drive a different route to work

10. Try waking up at different times in the morning and adjust your schedule accordingly

11. Make eye contact and smile at people as you pass by them

Monthly

12. Attend a networking event

13. Take an acquaintance for coffee or lunch to build the relationship

14. Read a biography of someone you admire

15. Wear no makeup in public on weekends

16. Turn off your smart phone for a weekend

17. Try using an alternative form of transportation to get to work

18. Attend a sporting event or concert that you’ve never been to before

19. Create a bucket-list of 3-5 things you want to accomplish during the month  … and complete them!

20. Try making something with your hands (food, art, jewelry etc.)

21. Write a poem every day for a month

Annually

22. Travel to a country youve never been to

23. Take a language course

24. Take a dance, music or art class

25. Create an Instagram account and post one photo a day for a year

26. Make a vision board to create intention for your year ahead

27. Join a Toastmasters group and participate in public speaking engagements

28. Register for a race (10km/half marathon/marathon/iron man)

29. Go to a movie or dinner by yourself

30. Write one paragraph in a journal each day for a year

31. Host a fundraiser for charity

32. Confront a phobia

33. Perform at an open mic/karaoke night

34. Host a four-course dinner party with friends

General

35. Say ‘no’ to someone who is asking for your time or money

36. Say ‘yes’ to someone you wouldn’t normally give the time of day

37. Start a blog

38. Start a sole proprietorship

39. Ask for more responsibility at work

40. Ask for a raise

41. Ask for help

42. Ask for what you want

43. Let a friend/boyfriend/spouse plan an entire day of activities without you knowing what you are doing

44. Participate in a flashmob

45. Forgive someone

46. Try bungee jumping/sky diving

47. Write a song and perform it for friends/family or in a public setting

48. Start a YouTube video channel and post regular videos of yourself on it

49. Do a cleanse twice a year (I recommend the Wild Rose cleanse)

50. Try meditating in the outdoors in a public place (beach, park, courtyard etc.)

Tell me, which ones are your favourites and what other ideas do you have to defy your comfort zone?

Teresa (Reece) Sims
Website: www.thegoldzebra.com
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