I’ll be the first to admit it… I’m pretty much risk adverse. I like predictability, stability and routine. I don’t have a great desire to consistently push myself out of my comfort zone. In fact, sometimes I need an entire team of people armed with crowbars to pull me out of my comfort zone. Maybe you’d call me boring. But, I prefer to think of it as “content”.

All that being said, I think there’s a lot to be gained from trying something new. You can learn new things. Meet new people. Find something you love that you otherwise would’ve missed. So, lately I’ve been making more of an effort to get out there and try new things. Whether it’s work projects, television shows, food or fun activities, I’m trying to push my limits, branch out and expand my horizons.

For a predictable homebody like me, trying something new can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience. If you’re the same way, have no fear! I’ve pulled together some tips for how to get over that fear of getting out of your comfort zone. Let’s band together, my predictable pals. We’ve got this!

HOW TO GET OVER THE FEAR OF TRYING NEW THINGS

1. Bring a friend.

The “phone a friend” lifeline on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” was always my favorite one. Sometimes, there’s nothing like the comfort and security that a good friend provides. So, if you’ve been wrestling with the idea of doing something different, why not drag a friend along? Whether you’ve been meaning to try a hot yoga or pure barre fitness class, or you’re panicking about tasting sushi for the first time, having a close friend with you will help to ease your mind. Bonus points if that friend is adventurous and will encourage you to walk on the wild side… and enjoy it too!

2. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?”.

Often times, I have the tendency to blow scenarios up in my head. I may be a wee bit dramatic, so I can take things pretty far without even realizing it. My train of thought may go something like, “I’ve never tried calamari before. What if I hate it and then have nowhere to spit it out? Or worse, what if I’m allergic to it and my head swells up and then there’s no room for my brain to breathe, and then I have to be hospitalized, and Ty won’t know when to water the flowers and Bert will be so lonely and then I’ll die and Ty will be stuck paying for the funeral and he’ll HATE ME FOREVER.”

Perhaps that’s a slight exaggeration. But, the point is, all of that stuff most likely isn’t going to happen. Take a minute to think about the worst case scenario. If it involves simply looking like a newbie or potentially not liking something, that’s really not so bad, is it? So, the next time you’re thinking of expanding your horizons, ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?”. Unless you’re a drama queen like me. Then just shut up and do it before you can talk yourself out of it.

3. Make a list of the potential benefits.

If you’re anything like me, trying something new might take a little convincing. Sit down and list out all of the potential benefits that could result from trying this new thing. Could you find a new hobby that you love? Make new friends? Would this new thing be a great stress reliever? Write down any pro that you can think of. It will make that new adventure seem so appealing, there’s no way you’ll be able to skip it!

4. Just have fun.

Sometimes you just need to shut your brain down and go with the flow. Admittedly, this is something I think I’ll be working on for the rest of my life. But, really. Whatever you’re thinking of doing probably isn’t life or death (unless you want to free fall from a cliff or something…). So, maybe you just need to shut off your inner monologue and have a blast!

Are you a worrier and homebody like me? Or, are you one of those “grab life by the horns” sort of people that I envy and admire? Either way, what advice do you have for busting out of your comfort zone?

Get out there and try something new today! Until next time!