Exit the (comfort) zone

Staying put in life is a bit like sitting in a boat that’s tied up: you might be afloat, but you’re not going anywhere — and you’re probably not having much fun, either. A routine is one step away from a rut. If you sense it’s time for a change, but you’re unsure, here’s how to move forward.

Tune in. Know thyself, wrote Shakespeare. Self-knowledge fuels your ability to grow. If you are acting solely according to what other people think or need, then your energy and self-awareness are diluted, and any risk prompts fear. Times of change require ‘inner listening’ to your gut feeling and personal values.

When you feel centred, you also feel more assured and receptive to the possibilities that a change presents. Aim for a daily meditative practice, where you sit quietly for 15 minutes. Be vigilant about defending this time from distractions. Ask yourself: What is the next right thing for me to do? The answer will come, all in good time.

Face the fear. Being willing to take a calculated risk is, in fact, hard-wired into our brains, and it is critical to our survival as a species. For centuries, it has been the tribe or individual who was prepared to learn, adapt and change they way they did something that were more likely to enjoy an improvement in their circumstances. While living in a world where we are bombarded with negative news at every turn – if the terrorists don’t get you, the GFC or Hendra virus will – encourages a scaredy-cat mindset, this is potentially more dangerous than the dangers themselves. Why? Because when we insulate ourselves from emotion, sensation and action, we become less alive. Doing something that scares you can be challenging, but it is essential for the development of self-esteem, psychological strength and the enjoyment of life.

Turn obstacles into opportunities. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The one thing you think you can’t change? That’s the thing you must change.” We humans are notoriously risk-averse: a habit, job or relationship can be causing us actual physical pain, but we still cling to it. Taking a chance is an opportunity to learn and grow. Break down what you need to do into manageable steps. And recognise that slightly panicked feeling for what it really is: excitement.