If You’re Not Constantly Pushing Your Comfort Zone, You’re Not Really Living

Let me ask you something… when was the last time you tried something new?

I’m talking out of your comfort zone, feeling a little anxious and scared and yet excited as hell to give it a shot. Something that you’ve wanted to do, but haven’t allowed yourself to do yet.

When was the last time?

If you had to think about it, then it’s been too long. It’s time for you to throw yourself off a cliff.

Metaphorically, of course. Don’t actually go jumping off any cliffs.

But unless you’re regularly trying new things and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and living life on your edge, you’re not really living.

I went to Austin over the weekend for a visit with my husband and one of our friends. We’ve been doing this every couple weeks since we got to Texas in June, just so we can start getting acquainted with the place and where everything is located, since we’re moving there in 25 days.

And while we were there, I realized something… I wanted a funkier hairstyle. I want to be the cooler version of me, the one I occasionally allow myself to be when I’m brave enough.

The cooler version of me has funky hair. I used to have blue hair. (You can see a pic here: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferblanchardwrites/photos/a.547695938609826.1073741828.135311329848291/959469290765820/?type=3&theater.)

But as much as I loved it–and I really, really loved it–the upkeep and mess was just such a pain in the ass and in opposition to the easy, breezy lifestyle I want (which includes a 5-10 minute hair and makeup routine, except for special occasions).

The day they invent a permanent blue that doesn’t bleed out on everything, I will dye my entire head again and keep it for life. I am meant to have blue hair. But I digress…

So since blue hair is out–for now, although I’m not opposed to highlights–I wanted to do a funky haircut. Something really different for me.

I wanted to push my comfort zone in a big way.

I started Googling and searching on Pinterest and I came across a singer named Frankie Sandford-Bridge who has the most amazing asymmetrical haircut ever. I HAD TO HAVE IT.

I spent an hour-plus Googling pictures of her and trying to find the right ones to bring to a salon with me, so I had an example of exactly what I wanted. I’ve had short hair several times before, so this is not something I’m unfamiliar with.

But I’ve never had a haircut where half of it is long and half is short. That was totally new to me. And pretty freaking scary!!

And yet, pretty freaking enticing.

I loved the idea of doing something totally new and different. So I took the pics I found to the salon on Monday and I got the cut.

Immediately after I almost panicked… like, what the hell am I doing??!! I’m gonna look like a weirdo! And, really, who has their hair half long and half short. I can’t wear it as well as she does.

But then I looked at it and realized that it felt totally like me. Like the current next-level version of me (as the next level is always shifting and transforming as I learn and grow). This is what Author Jennifer Blanchard 2.0 looks like.

I still need to grow the hair out in the front a bit more, so it can be more similar to hers. But the point is, I did it. And I’m doing it.

At first I was a little afraid to go out in public–in my mind everyone would be starring at me and think I look weird–but then I just pulled out the principle I always use when I’m trying something totally new that scares me… JUST ROCK IT!!

And what that means is, just own it. Go out there and claim that shit as yours and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks.

There is no other way.

The more you push your comfort zone, the more you’ll feel confident trying new things and pushing yourself further out–in your writing and in your life.

Right now I’m ghostwriting a novel for a client of mine and I’m scared out of my mind because I want to do a great job and I want him to be happy with it. It’s totally pushing my comfort zone in so many ways.

But I’m learning a lot from it, and it’s helping me to grow and become a better writer and better storyteller. For that I am immensely grateful.

That’s what pushing your comfort zone does. Which is why I push mine, often and from several angles all at once.

When was the last time you pushed yours? And what’s one way you can push it right now?

Answer those questions and then go do it. Universal magic and the life of your dreams lives on the other side of your comfort zone.

Dream life or bust,

#DreamLifeOrBust #DailyThinkDifferent

P.S. This month in BAM we’re watching 3 movies and deconstructing them together, so we can improve our grasp on craft. We’re always doing fun stuff like this in the BAM group because we’re a community of writers and authors who are serious about achieving our writing dreams and creating our dream writing lives, all on our terms.

Members also get access to all of my workshops and digital products that cost $100 or less, which includes previous workshops I’ve done: Manifest Your Writing Dreams to Life, The Writer’s Confidence Boost, Plan Your Damn Novel, and MORE!!!

Doors are re-opening to new members on Friday July 14. Stay tuned…