Writing Prompt: Outside Your Comfort Zone

Have you ever teetered on the edge of doing something, but felt so uncomfortable and unsure about it that you didn't take action? For instance, maybe you wanted to travel somewhere unfamiliar, try a new exercise class, join a group, give a professional talk, or start a hobby. But if you've never done it before, it might feel scary and/or embarrassing.

Staying in the "comfort zone" feels easier, and sometimes it's a great place to be! But you can miss out if you don't venture out of it, at least sometimes.

This week, let's explore your comfort zone and beyond.

🖊️📖 Start by writing about the comfortable. What are some of the routines, patterns, and settings that feel familiar, safe, and easy for you?
🖊️📖 How does your comfort zone help you and protect you? When in your life does being in your comfort zone "work" for you?
🖊️📖 When do uncertainty, self-doubt, hesitation, and discomfort show up in your life? Do they ever hold you back from things you'd like to do?
🖊️📖 When in the past have you taken a step outside of your comfort zone, and how did that go?
🖊️📖 If you had unlimited time, resources, confidence, and talent, what would you like to do? Are there things you’d like to do that you aren't doing now?
🖊️📖 How might you step (or at least dip your pinkie toe) outside of your comfort zone now? What are the pros and cons of doing so? What emotions would you have to be willing to experience if you did? What would the benefits be? Would it be worth it to you?

I’m a clinical psychologist, co-host of Psychologists Off the Clock, and author of the books ACT for Burnout and ACT Daily Journal. You can find me online at drdebbiesorensen.com.