Comfort zones: you know those cozy, familiar spaces we often stay in… even when we know we are ready for more.
Today, I’m telling you about Indy — a lady with all the skills, confidence, and independence to go further… yet she’s keeping herself stuck in her comfort zone.
I met Indy at a networking event — one of those nights filled with interesting, diverse people sharing stories. I’ve known her for a couple of years now. She’s done lots of solo travel in Bali, so naturally, we reconnected over our Bali adventures. Indy, like me, loves solo travel and enjoys her own company.
In our small breakout group, there were people from Germany and Italy, swapping stories about their travels around Europe. On the side, I mentioned to Indy that I am planning to head back to Europe again soon.
She looked at me and asked, “Would you go alone?”
And I said, “Yes, of course.”
Then she said, “But… have you been there alone before?”
And I smiled — “Yes, many times. Many countries. Many weeks. Solo.”
Indy was shocked.
She said, “Oh, I’m too scared to go to Europe. I know Bali — I’ll stick with that.”
I have to admit, that surprised me. Indy is one of the most capable women I know. She’s strong, independent, and confident. She’s navigated Bali solo for weeks at a time, and she knows exactly how to take care of herself in another culture. She has all the skills — street smarts, navigation, safety awarenes, self-trust— everything.
I thought about this whilst listening to more travel stories being shared.
Later, as others shared their European travel stories, Indy leaned in and quietly said, “You know, I’d actually love to go to Spain and Portugal one day.”
That moment really stuck with me. Because Indy isn’t lacking skills. She’s just stuck in her comfort zone.
The group dispersed, and we went our separate ways
So let me ask you — are you stuck in a comfort zone too?
Are you missing out on something, because of , ..well..yourself, are you in your own way?
To break out of a comfort zone, you usually need to do one of two things, or even both of them:
1. learn a new skill, or 2. break an old habit.
Sometimes, it also means shifting your beliefs — maybe even how you see yourself.
But in Indy’s case, she already has everything she needs. She already is a solo traveller — confident, capable, and resourceful. She doesn’t need new skills, just a new mindset.
Indy already identifies as a solo traveller, she is a strong, self-confident, wise, self-trusting and very skilled solo traveller.
She already has all the skills required to travel solo to a foreign country, a foreign culture, sue already has street smarts and navigation skills, she knows how to take care of herself and her safety in a foreign place.
Indy has a habit of travelling to Bali, fair enough, she loves it, its a great go-to for a warm escape from cold Melbourne in Australia, its now in her comfort zone.
So what does Indy need to get to Europe?
Indy needs to change her mindset, and break a habit.
Indy needs to believe that she can again go to a new country. She has done it before. First time going to Indonesia and Bali was probably challenging and felt daunting too.
Sometimes we all need that reminder — that we already have what we need inside us.
Think about it: how many challenges have you faced and conquered?
Think about it: remember the challenges you have faced, and only survived, but conquered and thrived. you’ve expanded your comfort zone into new territories before.
We need a reminder that we can do it again; it may be in a different room, but we can do it again.
Remind yourself how awesome you already are, the challenges you have survived, all those times you have picked yourself up and carried on through fear.
Transferable Skills
In the workplace, they are called “transferable skills”. In the workplace, we talk about transferable skills all the time – they apply to life too.
Look deep and you might be amazed at how many strengths you already have that you can use again — in a new place, a new adventure, a new chapter.
Challenge for this week
So here’s my little challenge for you this week: Break one small habit.
It could be as simple as going to a different café instead of your regular one.
Walk your usual route in the opposite direction.
Go out for dinner on a Monday instead of a Thursday.
Try a new dish instead of your go-to favourite.
Practice breaking habits. It’s how we grow.
Yes, I know, comfort zones and habits feel good, they are familar, they are easy, safe, comforting, warm and cozy. BUT if they are holding you back from achieving your goals, your dreams, your next adventure, and living your best life…then its time to shake things up and kick a habit.
Sometimes all it takes is one small step — and a little faith that you already have everything you need.
You’ve got this!
👉Share this with someone who might need a little nudge to step outside their comfort zone too.
Until next time—enjoy the journey, every moment of it, and go solo. Stay safe. – Linda
Linda Marie Travel 