Tips for stretching your comfort zone
“Why would I want to get comfortable with risk?!”
We hear you. Risks can be scary! And most of us don’t love feeling uncertain. Taking up risks can stir up fear, self-doubt, and a whole lot of what-ifs — even when the stakes are relatively low.
But avoiding all risks doesn’t mean we’re safe. In fact, it can lead to missed opportunities, stagnation, and lower resilience over time.
So how do you get more comfortable with risk? The key is to build your tolerance gradually. Like strengthening a muscle.
Try saying yes to things that feel slightly outside your norm. This might look like voicing an idea at work, or trying something new with a friend.
Why this helps: Each time you do something uncertain (and survive!), your brain updates its neural pathways. Over time, risk feels less scary.
Risk often shows up in the body before it registers in the mind. A racing heart, tight chest, or sweaty palms are common. Observe — and name — when this is happening, by saying something to yourself like “I’m scared, this feels risky”.
Why this helps: Naming your feelings and emotions helps them feel less scary. It also invites you to pause, move out of fight-or-flight, and assess the situation from all sides.
After taking a risk, ask yourself questions like: What did I learn? What worked? What would I do differently?
Why this helps: Reflecting helps strengthen your decision-making muscle. It allows you to apply logic to past decisions, rather than rely purely on emotions (which can sometimes be misleading).
Getting comfortable with risk isn’t about becoming fearless. You don’t need to leap into the deep end. Just start where you are. The more you practice stepping outside your comfort zone, the more capable you’ll feel when bigger risks come your way.