There’s a famous quote by Neale Donald Walsch that every teen should pay attention to. He says, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone,” and let me tell you, he is so right. When you’re in middle school, high school, and even college, it can be really easy to get comfortable with life, especially if life is going well.
But, you should never get too comfortable, because there is a whole world of people, places, and new experiences that you’ll miss out on if you don’t jump out of that comfort zone. Here are seven amazing ways teens can do just that!
1. Start a Blog
It’s no secret that teens are super opinionated. Sometimes that’s good, and sometimes it can get you into trouble, but either way, sharing your thoughts is great because if you’re thinking or feeling something, I can guarantee that there are others out there who feel the same way or have had similar experiences. Starting a blog is a great way to foster an online community, and connect with people around the world who you otherwise may never have met.
2. Play a New Sport
Maybe you already play sports, which means you have your go-to sport that you’re really good at. But there are lots of other sports out there, and learning a new sport is super fun and it’s great exercise too. Sure, it can be embarrassing at first when you have no clue what the heck you’re doing, but fear of “not being good at something” should never stop you from trying.
3. Take a Fun Class
When it comes to elective classes, the trend is to take whatever classes your besties are taking so that you can all be together. But you see your friends all the time, so why not take a class that you normally wouldn’t—like cooking, woodshop, or painting? It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone because it forces you to start from scratch. Your friends aren’t in class with you, and you’re not familiar with the subject matter, so chances are you’ll make new friends, and you might even discover a new passion!
4. Travel
Traveling is one of, if not the absolute best ways to get out of your comfort zone because when you leave home base and visit an unfamiliar place, everything is new. New surroundings, new culture, new people, and maybe even a new language if you’re traveling abroad. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a study abroad program, the experiences you gain on your trip will change your outlook on life and they’ll resonate with you long after you return home.
5. Volunteer
Volunteering is also a really awesome way to get out of your comfort zone while also dedicating your time to helping others. No matter where you live, there are surely a ton of volunteer opportunities nearby. You could give some of your time to tutoring elementary school kids, coaching a sports team for underprivileged kids, helping the local homeless community, and much more. Seriously, the possibilities are endless. Some teens even choose to volunteer abroad in order to help those in developing countries such as Ghana, Costa Rica, and India.
What advice would YOU give to other teens who are looking to jump out of their comfort zone? We’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments!
