Three Reasons to do Something that Scares You

We are creatures of comfort. One of the ways we keep ourselves comfortable is by creating routines, and these routines are frequently designed to minimize risk and control stress. Sounds good, right? However, if we’re being honest, doing something that scares you may actually be the way to create a life that brings more happiness. Has avoiding the things that scare you brought you a more fulfilling life?

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing every day that scares you. Those things that make us uncomfortable help us build the courage to do the work we do.” Our cozy routines may feel like they keep us safe but stepping outside our comfort zones may give us the courage to achieve the goals that will bring real enjoyment from life.

Would it surprise you to discover that 47% of your actions are done from habit? It’s true. A Duke University study discovered that people share a natural reluctance to experiment. This means that our natural instincts could be the reason we don’t apply for a new job, continue our education, move to a new city, or start a new relationship.

How much could we be missing out on because of our fear of change? This is more humbling when you consider that, in most cases, the risk of trying something new is relatively low, while the upside opportunity may be enormous.

Fear is normal and we all have things we are scared to try. The challenge is to not let your fear keep you from doing something that might make your life better in the long run.

Looking for a little motivation? Here are three solid reasons to ditch your fear and try something new.

Trying new things opens opportunities

What is that one thing you have always wanted to change? There is always at least one thing we would like to change or try but keep pushing it off because it is a bit scary.

It is always easier to stay with the status quo, continue with the things that are comfortable, and shuffle off the discomfort of trying something new or challenging. But if we continue to do this, we are closing off any new opportunities that may emerge from expanding your life’s experiences. The reality is, when we embrace the unknown and take risks that move us forward, we open new opportunities that can result in increasing our fulfillment. No one wants to go to the twilight of their lives wondering “what if,” and the best way to prevent that is to simply try.

The more you challenge your fear, the more fearless you become

So, is fear keeping you from going after something right now? The only way to conquer that fear is to attack it head-on. As you assess your risk, here are a few findings to possibly help provide you with a helpful nudge. Recently, MIT research indicates that actually doing something, the fear you may harbor will subside after you try.

If you continue to be apprehensive, then propose this question to yourself, “what am I afraid of?” The most common response is a fear of failure. It is this the case, then you should ask others about their failures before you attempt anything new.  Research shows that the simple act of speaking with others about their failures can have to effect of making you less fearful.

So, instead of being crippled by your fears, simply choose to try that new thing you’ve been avoiding. Stop hesitating and apply for that dream job, start a business, ask that special someone on a date, or do stand-up at open mic night. Take a chance, because sometimes the best moments in life come from doing the things that scare us the most. True, you might stumble and fall, but your dreams and ambitions are worth the gamble.

Your dreams may be challenging and create a lot of internal fear. You need to recognize that making mistakes is part of that experience, and simply a matter of perspective. Reality teaches us that many great success stories begin out of mistakes and even failure.

If you allow fear of failure to govern the chances you take, you can certainly control the nature and magnitude of your failures. But remember, the only people who never fail are the ones who never try. By sticking with safe and familiar choices you only ensure that you’ll continue to achieve similar outcomes year after year. That’s not fun. By stepping out of your comfort zone and facing your fears, you’ll get to places you’ve never been before. You’ll feel more confident, comfortable, and self-assured.

It creates a different kind of comfort zone

Challenge yourself each day to try something new, something that downright makes you uncomfortable or even scares you. This will help reward you with the reality that every day is a new chance to move past your fears and achieve new goals. As you build up a new comfort zone and tolerance for taking on new and uncertain challenges, you will develop a new peace of mind. A peace of mind that comes from knowing your family’s future is protected because you took the chances that rewarded you with the fulfillment you inherently desired.

Conclusion

Now, of course, there are good reasons to take a conservative approach to life, and you will always be balancing the nature of the risks you elect to take. One of those risks should not be a sacrifice of your insurance coverage, however. 🙂

If you’re looking to review your car or home insurance, you can contact us, or start an insurance quote online. An insurance agent is ready to help evaluate your current protection.