How to Expand Your Comfort Bubble

                Most of us humans are always on a journey to grow, learn, and reach for the next goal – some of us may not word it in such a healthy way, but it is human to want more from life regardless of where we are in it. How do we get to reach new levels? We have to stretch beyond our comfort bubble and have new behaviors and new experiences.

                This is where I see a lot of people get stuck in cognitive behavioral therapy. They will work on how they are thinking about their own interpretations of their experience and making sure not to add undue stress to situations – very important and beneficial work. However, I will see a disconnect from having different behaviors to match the new thinking patterns. It is through the new behaviors that we are able to have new experiences and that can change the beliefs and the feelings that follow the beliefs.

                The new behaviors can be something big – you may have noticed the accompanying picture for this week is actually a picture of me on my most recent trip. I am zip lining over a jungle and definitely operating out of my usual bubble. Your actions do not have to be so big to still reap an amazing benefit – though they can if that is what you are interested in.

                Smaller actions, such as saying hello to anyone who crosses your path, intentionally making eye contact with the people you walk pass, (friendly eye contact, not an aggressive stare-down), calling someone rather than sending text/email, or even trying new food or drink. Whenever we move even slightly out of the comfort bubble, we have an experience that actually expands what we can be comfortable with. The smaller actions you take, the more the experience will help expand your bubble and shift your beliefs about yourself, others, and the world.

                Spoiler alert, the things you want and do not yet have live outside of the comfort bubble. Whether you want to take big steps or small ones, each new behavior will help you get closer to what is wanted. Need help getting started or deciding which small steps can make the difference? I am happy to help – simply reach out – (that is your first small action item!).