We see it every day at our Dallas inpatient rehab center. When someone is suddenly thrust out of their comfort zone it can be jarring. But sometimes it can also be necessary.
Over time, we all get into comfort zones that fit our current needs. Whether it be in relation to our physical health, mental health, or emotional health, our comfort zone can protect us from the outside world. Our comfort zone can also, however, keep us from setting and achieving goals that we need to meet. If we never have the courage to step beyond our comfort zones, we’ll never make worthwhile changes.
If you struggle with getting out of your comfort zone, you’ve come to the right place. Lighthouse is one of the leading addiction treatment centers in Dallas. Every day we help people go beyond their comfort zones to reach their recovery goals.
Change Can Be Uncomfortable
One thing that change can definitely be is uncomfortable. The vast majority of people prefer to be comfortable even if it’s limiting. People think they thrive on being comfortable, but this means we can never make meaningful change.
During recovery at our Dallas Outpatient Rehab Center, patients have to learn to be okay with uncomfortable situations. We know this can be scary. It’s not about pushing someone down a path that can hurt them or may not be the best path to take. We help facilitate the change so that the patient feels comfortable enough to alter their patterns. We’ll also help provide direction so that the patient can reach their goals in recovery.
Being okay with uncomfortable situations doesn’t mean you don’t have fear. Instead, it means that you are ready and willing to be uncomfortable and be scared, but you are going to show up and do your best anyway.
What Happens When You Leave Your Comfort Zone?
Great things can happen when you leave your comfort zone! Although you feel safe in your comfort zone, it’s important to remember that your comfort zone will not always serve you. It’s not one of the recovery resources that will encourage the change that’s needed to reach future goals.
For example, if you are struggling with substance use, you might be comfortable in using illegal narcotics. You may feel like using alcohol or drugs serves you in a way that other things do not. Leaving substances behind when you step out of your comfort zone can be so scary, but it’s going to be a great feeling when you realize that you do not need substances to make you happy and content with life. In fact, these substances are holding you back. You, however, may not have realized that if you hadn’t left your comfort zone.
Getting Used to Being Uncomfortable
It’s going to take some getting used to if you want to leave your comfort zone. It’s easy to remain on autopilot, going through the motions of using substances because that’s what you’re used to doing. Using alcohol and drugs, however, isn’t helping you become your best self.
You’re going to have to get used to the uncomfortableness of not using. It’s going to take time for your brain and body to let go of the dependence of the substances you use. It’s going to take time and effort and energy to stop using. This can be uncomfortable. This can be difficult. This can be overwhelming. This, however, is worth it.
Changing Your Ways
Vowing to make a change may be easy, but what’s difficult is actually following through. You can tell your family and friends one hundred times that you will stop using. If you don’t have intent to stop using, however, there’s no point in getting their hopes up.
Patient after patient at our addiction treatment center in Dallas has shown us following through with your promise is what’s most important. It might take you a few tries before you’re able to remain sober, but as long as you are trying, that’s all that matters. Doing your very best is what counts. To start doing your best you’re going to have to start imagining your life free of alcohol and drugs. Imagine what it’s going to feel like when you work toward your goal of being sober. Take small, manageable steps to complete your goal. This could be removing yourself from situations that would make you want to drink alcohol or use drugs.
Also, take pride in working hard to get yourself sober. This is a big deal, so stand tall and be proud! Celebrate the small victories, no matter how insignificant they may feel. One day sober turns into two, which will soon turn into a full week. Add up a few weeks and you’ll be on your way to a month. The longer you go without using, the better you’re going to feel.
One of the best recovery resources a person can have is a healthy view of failure. There truly isn’t any failure if you’re doing your best. Try not to beat yourself up if you use after a period of not using. Dust yourself off and get back up. You’re going to have to remain strong to keep moving forward. Learn from your mistakes and push through the difficult times. With hard work and determination, you’re going to get there. We’re here to help.
Blow Through Your Comfort Zone
Once you’re on a roll, you might feel like you want to blow through your comfort zone. Ride that wave and go for it! Comfort zones make us feel safe, but they hold us back from change. Accept that you’re going to be uncomfortable, and keep going anyway. All it takes is a small first step. Then, take a step that’s a little bigger. The next time, a little bigger.
Before you know it, you’ll be blowing through that comfort zone.
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