Have you ever reflected on your comfort zone? During the holidays, I watched the movie “The Croods” with my kids and realized that it was a perfect example of leaving one’s comfort zone.
The Croods is a cave family who always lives and hides in a cave. Papa Crood protects and keeps his family members in this safe place and doesn’t want them to venture outside even if they are only surviving because it is dangerous and risky. An earthquake then destroys their cave, which forces them to leave and look for another shelter. They finally discover a whole new world and have the most exciting adventure ever.
It was really after they left their cave that they discovered who they were, what they were capable of, regained their passion for life, met a new person, new animals, and lived fully. Sure, they made mistakes; they were scared all along and faced various obstacles. But they persevered, adapted themselves, and never gave up. When Papa Crood found a new cave, his family refused to be confined again because they wanted to live and not hide, even if it was risky. They continued their journey until one day they discovered a beautiful beach, a sweet haven where they finally felt at home.
Like this family, you may find yourself in a safe bubble where you think you’ve done enough; there’s no need to go further because it is too risky. Deep in your heart, you may know it’s not the life you wanted or ever dreamt of, but you compromise because it’s familiar, comfortable, predictable, and doesn’t require too much effort.
I’m not saying that being in a place of safety is wrong. Just that there is a season when God calls us to another level, to a higher purpose where it’s time to leave our comfort zone and be open to the New – try new foods, new places, meet new people, learn new things, have a new mindset, new routines and set new goals. It is difficult and scary. It requires faith, courage, and resilience, but in return, you will gain more than what you expect; a deep joy, peace, and satisfaction in your heart knowing that you are fulfilling what you’ve been created for.
Before leaving your comfort zone, ask yourself, “what is my purpose in life?” “what do I want to be?” “what do I love to do?” God created you on purpose with strengths, talents, and gifts, and He wants you to use them to their full potential. It brings glory to His name. You are unique, and only you can do what you’ve been created for. No other person can. Ask God about it and step out in faith.
Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”God will guide you on the right path.
Start with baby steps. One step at a time, and you will grow. You will grow in confidence, faith, courage, and knowing yourself better and better.
Also, give yourself permission to make mistakes. Learn from them. And know what you are afraid of. Reflect on yourself and ask God to reveal what keeps you from moving forward and growing. It can be having a negative mindset, bad habits, or being with the wrong crowd. He will show you if you are open and willing to be in tune with Him.
Stepping out of your comfort zone may also mean renewing your mind. If, for example, you have a victim mindset and tend to be negative, you will have to choose to get out of it, make an effort to think differently, and align yourself to what God says about you.
It is challenging to leave your safe zone. But you are not alone. God is with you. He will give you the strength to overcome every obstacle if you trust Him.
As C.S Lewis said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
As long as you are on this earth, you still have a purpose to fulfill.
If, as a woman, you want to go after your dream and leave your comfort zone, I’d love to connect with you. Book a free discovery session on Cindy@anewforpurpose.com
