Change can be scary, but stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow. Here are five ways to embrace change and push past your fears:

Trying new things exposes you to new perspectives and ways of thinking. Take up a hobby you’ve never tried before, read a book on a subject you know nothing about, travel to a place you’ve never been. New experiences create new neural pathways in the brain and promote cognitive flexibility.

Face your fears instead of avoiding them. Whether it’s public speaking, heights, or asking someone out on a date, avoiding fearful situations only makes the fear intensify over time. Take small steps to confront anxieties in a gradual way. Each time you face a fear, it becomes less frightening.

Surround yourself with people who challenge you. Seek out relationships that expose you to different life experiences and ways of thinking. Engage in debates. Ask others questions about their perspectives and values. An open and curious mindset leads to personal growth.

Get comfortable with discomfort. Change is inherently uncomfortable, but the ability to tolerate discomfort is a skill that can be developed. Take cold showers, hold a plank pose, fast for a day. Discomfort exercises your mental muscle and builds resilience.

Reflect on how far you’ve come. Looking back at past achievements and life transitions helps build confidence in your ability to navigate change. You have grown and adapted many times before, and you will continue to do so. Appreciate how your life experiences have shaped you.

Change may never feel completely comfortable, but with practice, you can get better at embracing the uncertainty. Stepping out of your comfort zone is a journey, not a destination. But with an open and willing spirit, you can find excitement and opportunity where there was once only fear. The more you invite change in, the more vibrant and meaningful your life will become.