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4 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD STEP OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE!
This year, I took on one of the biggest challenges of my life: I entered a triathlon. For those of you who might be unfamiliar, a triathlon is a multi-sport event that involves a 1.5km swim, a 40km bike ride, and a 10km run. Sounds intense, right? I know!
But here’s the thing—up until recently, I was the type of person who stayed in the shallow end of the pool, both literally and metaphorically. I wasn’t a great swimmer, and to be honest, running wasn’t exactly my favorite thing either. So why in the world did I sign up for a triathlon?
So, Why Did I Decide to Do a Triathlon?
The answer starts with a simple question I asked myself: What would happen if I actually gave this a shot?
At first, it was terrifying. Challenges, I’ve learned, are a lot like peeling an onion—there are layers you don’t even know exist until you start peeling them away. It’s uncomfortable. You might cry a little. But as you push through, you uncover parts of yourself you never knew were there.
I wanted to know what was beneath my surface. Could I really push myself beyond the limits I had unconsciously set?
The Truth About Taking on Challenges
Here’s the real reason I’m telling you this story: I know some of you are watching this and thinking, I could never do that. But let me be the first to tell you: You absolutely can. We all have that one thing we’re unsure of trying. Maybe for you, it’s learning a new skill, stepping into a new routine, or tackling a fitness challenge.
If you’re sitting on the edge, unsure whether to take the plunge, let me share my top 4 tips for taking on a challenge.
1. Start Small, But Start 🏁
It doesn’t matter if you’re only dipping your toes in the water—just start. The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most crucial. In my case, that first step was simply getting into the pool and deciding I wasn’t going to try.
2. Celebrate the Small Wins 🎉
Maybe you’re not running marathons or completing Ironmans right away—and that’s okay! Every little milestone is a victory. Whether you run one extra minute on the treadmill, swim one more lap, or hit a personal best on your bike, those small wins are worth celebrating.
3. It’s Never Too Late to Learn Something New 📚
Whether you’re 15, 35, or 65, there’s no such thing as the “perfect” age to try something new. Fear of failure is often worse than the failure itself. I learned how to swim as an adult, and guess what? I did fine! It’s never too late to embrace a new challenge, no matter where you are in life.
4. Find Your Why 🎯
At the end of the day, it all comes down to one thing: Why do you want to do this?
For me, my “why” was the dream of becoming a better version of myself. That goal pushed me out of my comfort zone and beyond what I thought was possible. For you, the reason could be anything—improving your health, seeking adventure, or simply personal growth. Find what lights you up and use it as your fuel to keep going, even when the going gets tough.
The Magic of Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
Here’s what I’ve come to realize: growth only happens when we step out of our comfort zones. And the magic? That happens when we keep showing up, day after day, even when it feels hard.
Triathlons may not be your thing, but we all have something that challenges us, that makes us second-guess our abilities. Whatever that is for you—whether it’s a career change, learning a new skill, or starting a fitness journey—just start.
Final Thoughts
So, what would happen if you actually gave that thing you’re thinking of a shot? I think you’d be surprised by what you’re capable of.
Remember, the hardest part is starting. And once you do, you might just uncover a version of yourself that’s stronger, braver, and more capable than you ever imagined.
Kassim Esene
Head of Coaching and Programming