My youngest daughter, Alexa, started attending a new school this year.

Up until now, she’s spent the last seven years—nearly her entire academic career—at an amazing elementary and middle school. She knew all the teachers, administrators, lunch helpers, recess monitors and had a great group of friends. She was like the mini Mayor. She felt comfortable and at home.

This year, however, she decided to try something new—to break away from her circle of comfort and head off to a new school to start seventh grade.

It was all her choice, too. She was interested in meeting new teachers and friends and upleveling her learning while taking advantage of new opportunities like picking out her own clothes (she’s worn a uniform all these years) and being in a much bigger school.

She was so excited to step into the unknown. Not an ounce of nervousness in her little body.

As I watched her walk into her new school for the first time, I felt so proud of her. I was in awe of her bravery, her confidence, and her ability to march to the beat of her own drum. It wasn’t the first time that I’ve looked at her and wished I could channel some of her boldness and courage.

It made me think about ways that I could step outside of my own comfort zone—to push my own boundaries in my personal life or in my business.

I recognize that this year has been such a roller coaster for so many of us, and the challenges and upheaval we’ve experienced has forced us to be more adaptable than ever. In many ways, we’ve been dragged outside of our comfort zones whether we wanted to be or not.

But I also think there’s a natural reaction that occurs when potential change or challenges arise that make some want to pull back, clamp down, or hold our breath as we wait things out, wishing things back to “normal” as quickly as possible.

Change is a choice.

I have friends moving out of their hometown of New York City for the very first time everrr–they’re in their 50’s.

Another left a secure job to pursue a coaching certificate program so she can shift careers.

And yet another who put her Covid-impacted business on pause to write a fiction book.

Change really is a choice.

It’s our choice whether we explore new opportunities or hold onto what we know.

It’s our choice whether we focus on the possibilities or see only the things we’re leaving behind.

And it’s our choice whether we make the leap outside our comfort zone or stay where things are safe and predictable.

Change is a choice, and it’s our choice whether we make the leap outside our comfort zone or stay where things are safe and predictable. Read more: Share on X

Admittedly sometimes the smartest bet is to stay where you are (especially in a global pandemic!), but way more often than not, the opportunities, experiences, and greatest gifts of our lives are waiting for us outside of our comfort zone.

We just need to have the courage to jump.

Are there new opportunities and chances for growth waiting for you outside your comfort zone? What are you yearning to do?

Hopefully you find the clarity and the courage to go for it. You’ll never know the magic that awaits until you let go, trust, and make the leap. You can do it!