When we change, cut out certain people, leave new environments, and adopt a new mentality and way of life, it is always assumed that life will get easier and feel much smoother. I have learnt this is not always the case, and in fact, it tends to get harder before it gets easier. This is because it shows you what happens if you stay in your old patterns.
Challenges are a part of life, but I would say the biggest challenge of all is creating a better version of yourself. This version has less tolerance for certain people, places, and systems. It is risky and takes many years to become a version of yourself that you feel proud of. It is a lonely and difficult path, but worth every second. This is how you should view difficulties in life. It is really common to think that when new obstacles emerge, we are being dealt a bad deal. It is just that when you operate with more boundaries and clearer intentions for what you want, friction naturally occurs. This can be because you’re exploring the unknown, and as I mentioned before, it feels lonely because you’re either self-reliant or no longer relying too much on people’s opinions.
When you become more aware, you notice everything through a clearer lens and at times feel more of it. This can be inconsistency, unclear systems, or microaggressions. Also, challenges do not have to appear to punish us, but to reveal the old life falling apart. The newer version of the self needs to be involved with better people, more self-trust, and have more suitable systems to truly thrive.
Have you ever felt stuck in a rut, yearning for change but afraid to take that first step?
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch
“The comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” – Unknown
“What you are afraid of is usually what you need to do.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
“Great things never come from comfort zones.” – Anonymous
What do all these quotes have in common? They explain that being comfortable might provide stability, but it ultimately stifles us from taking the next step. It is that first painful step that transforms our lives. I also believe that, as men, it’s in our natural instinct to push our boundaries. We earn rewards for overcoming challenges, whether that’s financial or an increase in pride. This is what has led civilizations to be built and humanity to evolve.
Sadly, it can be a misunderstood idea. We are taught that the ideal standard revolves around ‘playing it safe.’ I’m sure this is relatable in many areas of life. This is especially true for the black sheep of a toxic and narcissistic family of origin. We are often conditioned to avoid calling out problems or advocating for ourselves. As some of us know, it’s a painful process. You lose people, or their perceptions of you become negative. But this is where true growth occurs. When I did this in my own life, it felt very uncomfortable and foreign. Yet, in the long run, I felt much better and more mature.
This principle can be applied to many areas of life. It could be starting a new career, taking up a new hobby, or traveling somewhere different and unfamiliar. The principle is still the same. Not everyone will support this journey. It will be difficult. But ultimately, you’ll learn more about yourself. You’ll write a new story and create a new chapter. You’ll free yourself from whatever is holding you back.
It took me some time to reach this point, but I became far more satisfied. The times I was in my comfort zone were actually the most unfulfilled periods of my life. As we continue on this journey, I encourage you to embrace the unknown. Keep pushing forward. If setbacks occur, get up and fight another day.
So, what’s holding you back? What small step can you take today to step outside your comfort zone? Let’s keep pushing forward together.