🎨 Never have I even imagined myself…. How we change over a lifetime and why you should go out of your comfort zone

At a Glance:

• What is a comfort zone
• How I went out of my comfort zone
• Analyze your life and draw conclusions

A comfort zone is a place where you feel safe, relaxed, and at ease because you are doing things you are familiar with. It’s like being in a situation where you don't feel stressed or worried because everything is known and predictable. For example, if you always eat the same food, watch the same TV shows, or hang out with the same friends, you are in your comfort zone. It’s comfortable because there are no surprises or challenges.

From a neuroscience perspective, stepping outside of your comfort zone involves engaging in activities that challenge your brain in new and unpredictable ways. This process can stimulate neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. When you encounter novel experiences or learn new skills, your brain adapts and creates new pathways to handle these tasks.

Here are four important aspects of going outside of your comfort zone:

Neuroplasticity: When you step outside your comfort zone, your brain is exposed to new stimuli, requiring it to adapt and change. This can lead to the strengthening of existing neural pathways and the creation of new ones, enhancing cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.

Stress and Adaptation: Mild stress from new experiences can activate the brain's stress response systems, which, in manageable amounts, can improve your brain's resilience and ability to handle future challenges.

Learning and Memory: Engaging in unfamiliar activities can enhance learning and memory processes by activating the hippocampus, a brain region involved in forming new memories and spatial navigation.

Dopamine Release: Novel and challenging experiences can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward. This can create positive reinforcement, encouraging you to continue seeking new experiences.

So, from a neuroscience viewpoint, stepping outside of your comfort zone promotes brain growth, adaptability, and cognitive development, leading to personal and intellectual growth.

My Journey of Growth:

Ten years ago, I would have called you crazy if you told me that I would be waking up before 6 AM to go to the gym, swim, or exercise. Now, I always train in the morning. It started because of my character—I just hate canceling appointments. I feel bad about myself if I do so, and at that time, I was working in consulting, and mornings were the only time I had full control over. I know how this sounds, but this was my reality a few years ago. Because I started training with a personal trainer, I had to pick a time when I knew I would be able to stick to meetings and not cancelling them. So, we ended up starting at 6:30 AM, as soon as the gyms opened.

I did that for eight years. Over those eight years, I only missed one training session when I woke up feeling unwell and had to cancel 45 minutes before it was scheduled. This hasn't happened a second time.

So why only eight years? About 18 months ago, I started living between two houses and moving a lot, but I needed to keep my training regular. So, I decided to switch to training by myself at home. I set up a mini gym, and this serves me best at the moment.

Five years ago, I would have called you crazy if you told me that not only would I have a dog, but he would also sleep in my bed and get tons of cuddles from me. I never wanted to have a dog. I was so convinced that I would not let any dog into my bed or on the sofa. I didn't want to have all my clothes covered with dog hair and everything wet from dog saliva.

Getting my Vizsla was a very spontaneous decision because another family member really wanted a dog. We had been talking about it for a while, discussing breeds, and I picked the Hungarian Pointer (Vizsla) as I think this is the most beautiful dog breed in the world and of course the smartest one 🙂 . But those discussions went on for 1-2 years without any conclusions. One evening on a Friday, I found a place where it seemed they had one last free puppy, and it was just a 50-minute drive away. On Sunday, we went to see him and came home with a new family member.

Since then, Gavi has become everyone's favorite—everyone loves him so much and forgives him all his tiny sins. Today, I cannot imagine him not being with us. I organize my day around him to make sure we have enough time together. Actually, he helps me make my day better, forcing me to have my favorite midday walk, which gives me energy and powers me up to keep going each day.

One year ago, I would have called you crazy if you told me that I would be writing my own newsletter, posting on LinkedIn, actively collaborating with people I met online via communities, or regularly having 1:1 conversations with 'strangers' to hear their stories and make new friends.

Several months ago, I started posting on LinkedIn. I joined three communities and organized my own little support group where, together with three other people, we meet regularly and support each other on our journeys. All of this is now an important and joyful part of my life. I have met so many interesting people, made new friendships, and am doing something that I really love and am passionate about. I have great business ideas and want to realize all of them step by step. This change helped me find new things that I love.

All of these experiences involved going out of my comfort zone. I did it to give it a try; I was somehow tempted to do so. This has been a game-changing year for me. I’m exploring myself deeper and learning so many new things about myself. And I know I want to keep growing—that's why I will keep breaking my comfort zone and being more vulnerable.

Keep watching me, and you will see the progress. I hope to see you growing with me!

Challenge for You:

Think about your life ten years ago, five years ago, a year ago….

What was something you wouldn't have imagined doing that you now do regularly or at least from time to time?

• What lessons have you learned?
• What's the benefit of it?
• What made you start doing that thing in the first place?

Now think about your life in one year, in five years, and in ten years.

What are the things you wish you were doing then, but you just can’t imagine doing now?

As a next step, plan to start each of those: first this year, second next year, and third in two years. Make appropriate notes to remember this.This year, build a plan to start the first one. Step by step, break it down into daily tiny actions. Use your discoveries from the above reflection to help you craft a plan.

Make sure you keep challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Do it regularly, as this will help you grow and keep your mind healthy. I hope you will take this challenge seriously and share your stories with others!