Last Updated on September 2, 2024
Many people like to live by the ideology of going with the flow, and while there’s nothing wrong with not being all too serious about everything and taking life as it comes, this mindset often leans into something less appealing and more destructive in the long term. Sure, at a younger age, you should face life head-on and not be held back by early failures, but much later on, this transforms into letting life dictate what you do and circumstances governing your every action.
You see, life is about self-discovery and accumulating rich experiences, and we all have our touch of uniqueness in going about achieving the individual life goals we set for ourselves. However, when we let the world dictate what we do and every decision we make, it shoves us down to a little box that prevents us from attaining real growth and true personal development. Sure, you might feel comfortable where you are right now, but are you truly satisfied by staying in the same place?
We’re Creatures Of Habit And Fear Discomfort
It is a well-understood fact that we are creatures of habit. We like following routines, avoiding disruption, and almost always prefer the path of least resistance. As a result, we also fear discomfort and do everything in our power to avoid situations that perpetuate discomfort at all costs. However, the single biggest drawback of this mentality is that to experience growth; you must undergo a place of discomfort.
- Change Scares Us: From ordering the same meal at the local diner to fearing that our romantic partners might become a different person after a bad fight, it’s evident that change does scare most of us. We fear the uncertainty that comes with it, and we can’t bear the fact that there’s a risk of things not going our way. However, preventing change also restrains you from breaking out of your self-induced shell.
- We Fall Under A False Sense Of Security: Another negative byproduct of letting the world dictate your life is that it puts you under a false sense of security and cultivates inaction. It whispers dreadful outcomes and worst-case scenarios when you entertain thoughts of change, convincing you that it’s much safer for you to stay put and not bother.
But, Is There Anything Wrong With Staying Where I Am?
Likewise, there’s nothing inherently wrong with staying where you are because some of us require this safe space and comfort in order to reassess our situations and reassure ourselves that everything will be okay. However, to consciously choose to stay in this place and not make an effort to step out is the real issue. You’re actively barring yourself from fulfilling experiences and stopping any form of growth.
Start With The Little Things
With all that said, there are many ways you can introduce change into your life, and we strongly recommend starting with but the little things. It may seem like nothing at first, but over time these experiences will accumulate and will ease you into much more significant decisions later down the line. Remember, to forge a new identity and reinvent your life is not about an end-goal but a life-long process and a journey.
#1 Meet New People And Expand Your Social Circles
Number one, it always helps to meet new people and expand your social circles. Of course, we are not telling you to replace your friends, but most of the time, the people closest to you often define your everyday activities. So, meeting new people will help give a breath of fresh air and teach you more about connection. You could even find yourself in a circle that’s proficient in personal finance that will teach you everything there is to know about home mortgages and building your portfolio. There are billions of people around the world, and limiting your connections also limits your perspectives.
#2 Do Something You Wouldn’t Normally Do
Number two, it’s good practice to try something you wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to partake in your daily life. Whether it’s volunteering, public speaking, or maybe an online dance workshop, all these activities will help ease you into the concept of seeking discomfort and finding growth in every experience. Yes, we won’t deny that it can be nerve-wracking at first, but you’re training your brain to be welcoming of change and recognize its capacity for personal development.
#3 Pick Up A Good Book
Number three, a million lessons are found in the pages of a good book. If you’re not big on books, then this will be a humbling and eye-opening experience to give reading another chance. It may sound a bit boring compared to the previous recommendations, but a good book has the ability to put you in a positive headspace and teach you to be more critical of yourself. In fact, you might even find many stories that reflect your current life right now.
Break Free And Experience Life To The Fullest
Overall, we are strong advocates for change and being a full person that makes their own rational decisions. It might be fun to go with the flow, but there are a lot more meaningful experiences when you’re spearheading your life. So, break free from the chains that hold you back and experience life to the fullest!