The comfort zone is a psychological state in which one feels familiar, safe, at ease, and secure. You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone. – Roy T. Bennett

Despite my love/hate relationship with hitting the pavement, my body has always responded amazingly well to running. When I desperately need to get back into the swing of things health-wise or to clear my head, my initial thought is to dust off my running shoes overstepping foot into any gym. Do not get me wrong; the gym is great too! The relaxing sauna at the end of a brutal workout is perhaps my favorite part of it all, but I digress. Once I have started to form a habit, running has ultimately given me the best results for me. What works for some may not necessarily be the top choice for all. Granted, I have started and stopped this vicious cycle several times, meaning it more challenging to get back into the routine.

Admittedly, I hate running most days because it’s challenging and takes a lot of physical and mental strength to push to the next level or even get out the door altogether. And the ever-changing weather patterns do not make things any more comfortable if you prefer exercising outdoors.

Ever not feel like doing something, only to think, “This was not as bad as I thought, “once you have completed? That is precisely how I feel every time I lace up and make a commitment to fight for my health. What is more surprising is morphing into a competitive mode with myself over the years – from walking to jogging to running to beat my fastest time, from 5ks to 10ks, to 15ks, to….being crazy enough to sign on for a full marathon. Did I do that? Yikes! Medal addiction is REAL! So yes, that’s where I am…at the point of complete insanity!

There’s no turning back. And sure, every day is a struggle, but I take pride in running because it’s outside of my comfort zone, and I kind of sort of love it now.

This is not just about my running journey, but about whatever it is that we’ve always wanted to explore (i.e., dance, a sport, writing, art, starting a business, a new spiritual walk, etc.), and wrote it off before you could even begin.

Here are some simple reasons why you should do something outside of your comfort zone:

• You may end up loving said thing or at least not completely dreading it.
• There is no failure in trying to level up at something you thought you could never do.
• Live with no regrets, and do not count yourself out before even exploring.
• Discover a new talent or hobby.
• Do it for fun and networking.
• Push yourself to grow through boosting your self-confidence.
• Make yourself proud and get out of your way.
• Create new memories and broaden your interests.

I encourage you to do one thing that challenges you in this season. I dare you.

Cheers to your health!