Why You Need to Breakup with Your Comfort Zone

Do something that scares you.

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”-Eleanor Roosevelt. We all do it, we get into a rut. We say to ourselves “This has worked for me in the past, why change what isn’t broken.” But really is it

working for you. Are you growing as a writer? Your comfort zone is a place where you can control things easily. You have things down to a science. Sometimes we need to breakup with our comfort zone to grow and have a feeling of accomplishment. Here are some ideas on how and why you need to breakup with your comfort zone and do something that scares you.

Comfort is safe and I understand why you wouldn’t want to leave. Sadly staying in that floaty sea of comfort is misleading and deceptive. You don’t challenge yourself, move forward, or really hear the constructive criticism. I am of course not talking about the trolls I am referring to constructive critiques that you need to listen to.

I know but remember that growth is scary but rewarding. Ask yourself what you fear as a writer? Are these fears something you can overcome? Here are some ideas to help you shake things up a bit.

“your comfort zones become bubbles that keep you from enriching experiences.”-quote from Esploring Your Mind article Every Day, Do Something That Scares You.

Sit with a stranger, somewhere and talk to them about your book, or ask them about their lives. Writers are often people watchers and lurkers in life. Make writing a social act.

Try a completely new method of outlining or plotting your book. If you are a panster give outlining a try. If you are a planner give writing by the seat of your pants.

Collaborate on a piece with another author or someone who doesn’t consider themselves a writer.

Go out and conquer a non-writing fear, maybe go to a reptile show and hold a snake.

Ask someone to give you harsh criticism on your last piece of work.

Write a genre that you haven’t written before.

Try another form of writing you don’t know well, like poetry.

Giveaway for How to Master the Book-end Revision Technique E-book is ending tomorrow. Head over to Instagram and search for @crowshirley look for this graphic on my profile and posts follow the instructions and you could be a winner.

Share with me what ideas you tried or added to the list. Remember fear is everywhere but it doesn't have to rule our lives and keep us from growth.

Currently Reading:

Writing and recording Podcasts for my Life Coaching business. Live Streaming Author Talks with Shirley Crow every Tuesday on Facebook and Instagram. Starting As the Crow Flies my 1-on-1 author mentorship program. If you missed the sign up this month don't worry I will be doing another in June with a special discount for writers taking part in Camp NaNoWriMo's July Camp. Look for more information to come in May.