Doing something unfamiliar isn’t always comfortable for many people. We all like the routine of daily life we have carved out for ourselves. Living in familiar circumstances feels “safe” like being “home” and using our “own pillow.” Most of us like to stay in our warm and familiar habits. But then, nothing different will occur if that is our daily routine.

It is only when we change something: our routine, our thinking, our expectations, that we grow as human beings. So, it is good to push beyond our comfort zones, whatever they may be. Why? Because otherwise, we become inflexible. When we stop growing, we grow old.

Growing “old” can also mean being unable to accept new ideas, and we all know the constant in life is change and new ideas.

So, in order to become better, whether in our personal life or in any pursuit, doing the familiar is only good for a little while. After that, we need to push ourselves past our comfort zone for something “else” to happen. It only feels uncomfortable until . . . it begins to feel familiar again. Then, after getting used to the new situation, it’s time to push the envelope once more.

That is the only way to grow, to advance, to do better. It only feels difficult because it’s new territory. Soon, the unfamiliar becomes familiar and the cycle starts again.

During any change, it’s easy to be upset, anxious, even a little down. You may not be as productive as you usually feel. But that is only temporary as you adjust to the new situation. Be gentle with yourself in times of change. Keep hydrated. Eat well. Get enough sleep, learn to like yourself.

And, if you didn’t do something new today, maybe you can change tomorrow. Remember, tomorrow is another day.