“If you don’t get out of your comfort zone, how do you know what’s comfortable?” That treadmill instructor’s question echoed in my mind as I fought to finish a run I didn’t think I could complete. Later that day, a juice shop sign proclaimed, “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.” Coincidence? Maybe. A wake-up call? Definitely.
These moments didn’t just speak to my life; they shouted at my writing. Like running, writing has its comfort zone: a familiar routine that feels safe but also stifles growth. If you’re waiting for a nudge to redefine what’s possible for your writing, this is it.
The Trap of the Writing Comfort Zone
For writers, the comfort zone can look like sticking to familiar genres, avoiding tough feedback, or keeping your work private. It feels secure—no rejection, no risk—but that security can turn into stagnation. The longer you stay there, the smaller your world becomes.
True comfort, paradoxically, comes from expanding your boundaries. Just as runners redefine “normal” by pushing past their limits, writers can stretch their abilities by tackling what feels uncomfortable.
Dreams That Scare You—And Why They Matter
The juice shop sign wasn’t wrong. “Safe” dreams keep us running in place, while the scary ones push us forward. Instead of dreaming small—finishing a short story or posting a blog—dare to aim higher. If you’ve always dreamed of writing a book, consider this your sign to start.
Big dreams reshape your mindset. They force you to ask, “What steps can I take now?”
That shift from passive to purposeful action is the foundation of growth.
Three Ways to Push Past Writing Limits
Stretching your boundaries doesn’t mean overhauling everything at once. Start with small, deliberate steps. Here are three ideas to break free from your writing comfort zone:
- Write a Personal Story That Scares You
Vulnerability connects us with readers, but it also feels risky. Writing about moments that shaped you—failures, turning points, lessons learned—can be daunting. The fear of judgment or indifference is natural, but it’s also a sign the story matters. Trust that authenticity resonates. Lean into the discomfort and see how it transforms your writing.
- Submit Your Work
Sharing your work with the world opens the door to rejection—and growth. Pick a piece you’re proud of and send it to a publication you admire. Experiment by posting on a blogging platform and test the reactions you get. Rejection isn’t failure; it’s a step closer to success. Each submission teaches you something new and builds your confidence.
- Build an Idea List
Create a list of ideas. Stretch yourself by brainstorming topics beyond your usual scope. Even if you’re not ready to write a whole book just yet, the act of thinking bigger primes you to take the next step.
Redefining Your Comfort Zone
Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t eliminate discomfort; it transforms it. The challenges that once seemed impossible become manageable. Writing that felt intimidating evolves into your new baseline.
Growth is a process. Each time you push your boundaries, you expand your capacity as a writer. The fears that held you back lose their grip, and the path forward feels clearer.
Reflection Prompt
What’s one writing challenge you’ve been avoiding? Is it sharing your work, pitching an idea, or tackling a deeply personal story? Or perhaps it’s writing that book you’ve always dreamed of? Write about why it feels intimidating and what growth might come from facing it. Then, commit to taking that step.
The process of stepping out isn’t about fearlessness; it’s about courage. Let discomfort guide you. It’s a signpost pointing to where your growth lies. What will you do next?
For more insights, you can listen to my writing advice podcast at The Picture Perfect Podcast, sponsored by Gatekeeper Press, or request a free one-on-one consultation to discuss your book coaching needs! Until next time, happy writing!
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