[Originally posted on my Medium profile –> https://medium.com/@chaoticsanityblog/stepping-out-of-the-comfort-zone-866f83b2350a]
As the second half of the year approaches, your calendar begins to fill up with a flurry of social events: back-to-school activities, long weekends, and holiday parties. Excitement mounts as you browse through outfits, imagining yourself amidst the festive celebrations. Last year, you missed out on the buzz until everyone was posting about the hit party weeks after the event. Determined not to let that happen again, you eagerly await your invitation. Finally, your phone pings with an email—your personal invite to the party of the year. A surge of excitement washes over you; you feel special and included. You picture yourself surrounded by glittering decorations, engaging in lively conversations, and sharing laughter with friends. Giddy with anticipation, you rush up to your room, already envisioning the unforgettable night ahead.
But as the initial thrill subsides, a wave of nervousness begins to creep in. Your hands grow cold, and an uneasy flutter fills your belly. Doubts start to cloud your excitement: What should I wear? How will I introduce myself to all those new faces? What if they don’t like me? The thought of mingling with a room full of strangers makes your heart race. Suddenly, the prospect of attending the party feels more daunting than thrilling. You start to consider declining the invitation. It seems easier to skip the event than face the long driveway and grand entrance alone. But what if someone you knew well was also going? Someone who understands the social landscape and whose presence could offer comfort?
Hiding behind your mom and twirling her dress was perfectly understandable when you were a preschooler navigating kindergarten. But how long will you continue to seek refuge behind someone—a brother to drive you, a husband to accompany you, a sister to oversee your choices, a friend to share your classes, or a colleague to co-present with you? How long will you accommodate others’ expectations while dimming your own desires to fit their checkboxes? For how long will you wait for someone to take your hand and lead you? And where would they lead you? How can they truly understand your vision for yourself? What if you can’t find anyone who aligns with your plans? What if your goals are unique because your journey is yours alone?
At forty-four, I find myself still searching for someone to guide me to the “right” path, hoping to avoid being solely responsible if I fail. Excuses like “My parents wouldn’t approve,” “I’m newly married, so what if my husband disagrees?” “I have no time with a new baby,” “I just moved,” and “The dishes are never done” have kept me stuck. Opening Pandora’s box reveals only inventive ways to waste time.
It’s time to break out of your comfortable bubble. You’ve been hibernating for too long. Slip into your best outfit and most comfortable sandals, and step out to explore your options. Waiting for a supportive audience, worrying about others’ opinions, or postponing for a better day won’t lead to progress. The time to act is now—take the leap. Don’t be afraid to walk alone because you are your own priority. While you’ve been pointing fingers at yourself, others have been focused on their own paths. They won’t wait for you, carve a path for you, or sit with you because they’re busy investing in their own lives. So, take a stand for yourself and forge your own path. Whether it’s going back to school, honing a skill, improving your resume, starting a business, or trying a side hustle, the time is now.
Time won’t rewind, and people won’t slow down for you. If you want change, you have to create it yourself.
Take me as an example: I’ve waited too long for the perfect time and opportunity, but I’ve come to realize those were merely excuses. I fear wasting more money on my next “big idea.” It’s time to stop dabbling in hobbies and social media side hustles and start planning for a more sustainable future. But where do I begin? What if I’m not good at it? What if I pursue further education or a new license, and who will cover the costs? What if I fail, and the money—money that wasn’t even mine—ends up wasted? It would be easier if I had someone to share the journey with or a guaranteed plan for success.
You know what all those doubts are? Excuses and fears. If I listen to every whisper of hesitation, I’ll stay stuck and end up frustrated, regretting how I put my life on hold for others. But if I take the plunge and explore one of my self-driven ideas, I’ll be prioritizing my future and making progress. If it succeeds, great—I’ll build on it and refine the path. If it doesn’t, I’ll learn what doesn’t work and pivot to the next idea. The key is to try, learn from setbacks, and adjust your course towards what works. By taking action, you’re not just making progress—you’re actively shaping your own journey.
I hope I have empowered you to start carving your journey today; share your stories in comments ⤵️