For example, you could start up a conversation with a stranger at the grocery store, listen to a new genre of music on your drive to work, or try a different flavored coffee in the morning.
Maybe you’ll become friends with the barista at the new coffee shop, or perhaps you’ll discover a new favorite coffee drink. Target any opportunity in your day-to-day to step outside your comfort zone and liven up your life! Even small changes can enrich your life. If you always order vanilla ice cream, go for caramel next time.
Start a book you’ve been meaning to read. Buy a different newspaper than the one you always read. Take a different route to get to work. You never know what you’ll learn about the world when you explore different sides of it!
Your list may include things like: “Go skydiving, read Moby Dick, write a short story, go on a blind date. ”
If you’re going on a blind date, for example, you might tell yourself: “I’ve gone on lots of dates I set up myself, and I haven’t met someone I can picture myself with long term. This could be my chance!” Maybe you want to move to a new city, but you’re afraid you’ll miss your friends and family in your hometown. Remind yourself why you originally set out to move, such as better job opportunities and the chance to meet new friends.
Your partner-in-crime should be aware of what you are doing and want to go along with it, too. If you decided you want to learn how to cook, ask a friend who’s into food to take a cooking class with you.
Let’s say you’re moving to New York City, but you don’t know anything about it. Research the different neighborhoods you could live in, how to navigate the subway system, and all the fun things you can do in the city. Try for . gov, . org, or . edu websites when you can. Otherwise, be sure to avoid sites with misspellings or formatting problems. The Internet can sometimes be overwhelming. While it’s a great idea to be more informed, don’t dig so deep that you start scaring yourself with scenarios that are unlikely to happen to you.
Maybe you want to go skydiving, but you’re feeling terrified about jumping out of that plane. Go to the top of a really tall building and take a peek over. Then, try a smaller-scale activity that involves heights, like parasailing or bungee jumping at a theme park.
If you don’t like the new thing, you never have to try it again. Just make yourself try it once so that you can make an informed decision about whether you like it or not. The punishment for your ultimatum should be primarily mental, but if you’re really struggling, make it concrete. Say to yourself: “No coffee for a month if I don’t try this. ”
Stepping out of your comfort zone can make you happier and more fulfilled. Keep those positive possibilities at the front of your mind to push out the fears. For example, you want to throw your name in the ring for a promotion that just came up at work, but you’re terrified of not getting the job. Instead of focusing on that outcome, imagine what could happen if you get it!
You can say something like: “Jenna, I know you’re scared, but you’re going to try this anyway. Just think about how much fun you could have! You’re strong and brave. ” You can even find a quiet spot or a private bathroom and talk to yourself out loud in the mirror. This can really help you with that final push. You’re in the plane, ready to jump out for your very first skydiving experience. Don’t stop now!
This can be a great daily exercise, or something you do right before you need an extra boost of confidence. For example, be sure to take a few deep breaths before you meet your blind date.
Avoid answering your question with crazy possibilities like: “I could die. ” If you do this, then follow it up by thinking through how unlikely that is. Let’s say you want to take a cross-country road trip, but all you can think about is getting stranded if you break down or run out of gas. Make a plan for this! Bring along an extra gas tank and a radio to get in touch with emergency services.
