You know that weird ache in your chest when life starts shifting? That squirmy feeling like you’re being gently (or not-so-gently) booted out of your cozy chair and told to do something? Yeah, that’s discomfort.
Believe it or not, that feeling is a sign. It means something’s stirring. And like it or not, it probably means you’re exactly where you need to be.
I’ve been thinking a lot about change – how to know when you’re ready for it, and why we fight it even when we’re stuck in a life that doesn’t quite fit anymore. In a coaching group the other day, someone said, “I just don’t want to feel uncomfortable.” And honestly? I wanted to laugh, cry, and high-five them at the same time. SAME.
But here’s the hard truth we all have to face eventually:
Growth does not come from comfort.
Signs You Might Be Ready for Change
Let’s check in. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time for a shift, see if any of these hit home:
- You’ve outgrown your routines or roles. What used to feel fulfilling now feels flat.
- You’re restless, even though everything looks “fine” on paper.
- You catch yourself thinking, “There has to be more than this.”
If that’s you? Take a deep breath. You’re not broken. You’re evolving.
The Growth Zone: Where the Magic (and Mess) Happens
Leaving your comfort zone is not about chasing chaos (though you might find some chaos temporarily). It’s about choosing growth. The “growth zone” is where you start to build resilience, learn new things, and find out what you’re really capable of.
It’s also where you fail sometimes. Get messy. Feel weird. Experience chaos.
But guess what? That’s all part of the deal.
Research even has a name for the kind of deep growth that happens after tough times: post-traumatic growth. You know – those moments when life smacks you sideways, and you somehow come out stronger, more grounded, more you on the other side.
The Comfort Zone: A Cozy Trap
Comfort zones are lovely. They’re like warm blankets – safe, soft, predictable. And after a rough patch? You need that space to breathe and recover. I’m all for that.
But if you stay there too long? That cozy place turns into a holding cell. Nothing grows there. You stop moving forward. You start settling.
The comfort zone is your brain’s favorite hangout – it’s where everything feels familiar, low-risk, safe. But here’s the thing: staying there too long keeps you stuck. And whether you realize it or not, that “blah” feeling you’ve had lately? Might just be your soul itching for something more.
Why Change Feels So Awful (at First)
Our brains love patterns. Routines. Predictability. When something shifts (whether it’s a job, a relationship, a health issue, or just a feeling of “this isn’t it”) your brain goes, “WHOA WHOA WHOA, danger!”
That discomfort? It’s your nervous system saying, “New territory ahead! Should we panic??”
Spoiler: You don’t have to panic.
That uneasy feeling isn’t a sign that something’s wrong – it’s a sign that you’re growing up or growing forward. Change shakes things up so you can stretch. Yes, it’s awkward; yes, it’s uncomfortable; and yes, it’s completely normal.
My Two Cents (aka: Been There, Done That, Got the T-Shirt)
There have been plenty of times I stayed stuck in something too long, just because it was familiar. Even when I knew deep down it wasn’t working anymore.
But every single time I stepped out – every time I took a deep breath and walked into the unknown – I found something better waiting for me, eventually. A clearer purpose. A new strength. A deeper joy.
Change is scary. But it’s also worth it.
So How Do You Actually Do It?
If you’re ready to lean into change, but you’re not sure how to start, here are a few gentle steps:
- Feel your feelings. Scared? Nervous? Annoyed? That’s okay. Let it be there.
- Start small. You don’t need to burn your life down. One tiny change at a time.
- Phone a friend. Find someone who believes in you and can walk beside you.
- Remember what you’ve already survived. You’ve done hard things before.
- Give yourself grace. This is not a straight line. Wobbling is part of it.
Final Thoughts (Because You Know I Love a Pep Talk)
If something in your life isn’t fitting anymore, you don’t have to stay stuck. You don’t have to pretend it’s fine. You’re allowed to want more. And even if it feels shaky at first – you’re not lost. You’re moving forward.
So the next time life nudges you out of your comfy chair, don’t fight it. Take a deep breath, stretch a little, and see what’s waiting on the other side.
P.S. If you’re ready to figure out what your next chapter looks like, I’d love to help. In my one-on-one course Refinding Your Life Purpose there are lots of tools and encouragement from me to help you find clarity, set a goal, and get moving. You can check it out here.
You’ve got this. 💛