I often get asked about why I am so passionate about sharing stories of people stepping out of their comfort zone. So today I thought I would tell you all! 

The answer is twofold, with the simpler part being I love that I can give people an opportunity to share their stories. To be honest that part was unexpected. I didn’t realise that so many people had stories that they had no platform to share.  I am honoured to be able to provide them that outlet. 

The other part is less straightforward. I am hoping that by sharing such a variety of stories about what can happen outside your comfort zone that I encourage others to step out of theirs.  

Comfort zones are lovely – hence the name – and it can be easy to stay there. Sometimes it is important to stay there for many reasons.  

But sometimes a step outside of that zone can create magic. Not always. Sometimes you fail. But you learn. And sometimes you succeed and experience fantastic outcomes. You grow. You change. You become more confident. 

If you google “Benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone” a plethora of articles appear. 4, 5, 7 and 16 reasons why to do so. Some are very concrete – new challenges improve brain health, you get to experience something new and possibly learn a new skill. Others are more subjective such as increased resilience, as your comfort zone expands new opportunities become visible. 

Stepping out of my comfort zone has led to some of my most memorable experiences – from moving overseas, bungee jumping, gliding, public speaking, attending a summit, to playing a singing bowl. It has also led to some of my most uncomfortable moments – feeling nauseous as the glider was put into a sharp turn, asking the CEO to be interviewed for my blog (he said maybe later this year). But overwhelmingly the experiences have been positive. Though sometimes that is only on reflection! 

So after a lot of words – my second reason is that I want as many people as possible to experience the benefits that come with taking that step into the uncomfortable.