Coming Out of Your Comfort Zones: The Teenage Guide to Exploring the World
The period of teenage is undoubtedly one filled with many levels of radical changes and transitions, and young individuals are left with the need to move out of their comfort zones very often during these turbulent years. As one enters their teenage years, stepping outside the world of childhood, the journey that lies ahead is one marked by changes in physical, mental, emotional, and social landscapes — all preparing one for the adulthood that is to come at the tail end of teenage. This journey to adulthood and the concomitant anxieties of becoming more independent necessitates that teenagers adapt to all the changes around them, regardless of how tempestuous they could be, and through healthy tips and tricks, one can come out of their comfort zones to make the best out of this period of their life.
While the idea of moving out of the comfort of existing confines — such as that of the home and family, neighbourhoods, and friend circles, can be unsettling, this is how one can begin the journey of self-discovery. Though life, particularly during the dynamic period of youth, is filled with endless opportunities, fetching these opportunities can be difficult, particularly as one has to break away from one’s shell to explore all the possibilities they are surrounded by. Before moving ahead, what exactly is a ‘comfort zone?’ According to the management thinker Judith Bardwick, “the comfort zone is a behavioural state within which a person operates in an anxiety-neutral condition, using a limited set of behaviours to deliver a steady level of performance, usually without a sense of risk.” While this is a slightly complex definition to pin down the teenage idea of a comfort zone, it encapsulates the ethos that comfort zones generate — one free of anxiety. Thus, at the core of it, what makes moving out of comfort zones difficult is the potential anxiety and mental difficulties it could generate.
To step out of one’s comfort zone, it is important to feel a sense of safety and be reassured that one is not alone — that is, the journey ahead won’t be disconcerting and bleak. By remembering that you are not alone, it will be easier to step out of your comfort zone. The process of growing up is inevitable to the very essence of life, and as social beings, one must be aware of the fact that there is a community of care around them to guide them through the trials and tribulations of life. Hence, there is no need to shy away from asking guardians, teachers, and older siblings to help and support you during any difficulties the teenage years bring in front of you.
The other resourceful steps to walk out of one’s comfort zone include being conscious of one’s actions to make decisions carefully. By keeping in mind that there is no need to rush — your journey is your own, and the pace followed by others doesn’t have to be a target to meet as you envision your future, it will be possible to prioritize yourself at all points during the turbulence of teenage. Through empathy and sensitivity, the effort to prioritize yourself can also be fulfilled by being compassionate to the needs and space of those around you, helping you to create a safe space in your immediate surroundings. Also, worry not if coming out of your comfort zone can be overwhelming — it is all right. Take a step back when the journey seems hard to navigate, and together, one step at a time, you can learn to be your best version.
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