The anxieties of modern life often keep us in a state of relentless forward motion. We chase the next goal, another degree, a new skill—each one a stepping stone to where we think we ought to be. This cycle, we tell ourselves, will eventually bring us comfort, security, and the elusive sense of peace. Perhaps if we were better at something—our job, relationships, or hobbies—we’d finally feel whole.

We convince ourselves that incremental improvements are the key to solving our problems. Building healthy habits, like going to the gym, eating better, or developing a productive morning routine, is undeniably beneficial. These small, positive changes do have a cumulative impact on our overall growth and quality of life. Yet, for all the progress these habits bring, they rarely provide the kind of deep, soul-level transformation that truly shifts how we see ourselves and the world.

Such transformation requires something more profound: stepping into the unknown.

The truth is, personal growth is not always tidy or predictable. It doesn’t follow the linear trajectory we often imagine. A breakthrough—real, life-altering growth—often comes from experiences that challenge the very core of who we are. These are the moments when we leave behind the familiar and immerse ourselves in the alien. They don’t just improve us; they awaken us.

Imagine signing up for a painting workshop, despite having no artistic background, and discovering a hidden creative side you never knew existed. Picture yourself trekking through a foreign country where you don’t speak the language, relying on gestures and smiles to navigate. Or perhaps it’s simply volunteering for a cause you feel unqualified to contribute to but that resonates deeply with your values.

These are not just diversions from the routine; they are jolts to the system. They shift perspectives, build resilience, and ignite passions. By stepping into the unfamiliar, we uncover new facets of ourselves—courage we didn’t know we possessed, interests we’d never explored, or a capacity for connection that had long been dormant.

It’s easy to dismiss such experiences as indulgent or unnecessary. Why risk the discomfort or uncertainty? Why prioritize something that seems unrelated to our primary goals in life? Yet, it is precisely this discomfort that holds the key to growth. It stretches the boundaries of what we believe we are capable of and redefines what we consider possible.

Routine, though comforting, can lull us into a kind of sleepwalking. We may function efficiently, but we stop questioning, stop dreaming, stop daring. Expansive living—seeking out those transformative, out-of-the-box experiences—breaks this monotony and reminds us that life is not just about surviving but thriving.

These experiences don’t have to be grand or expensive. You don’t need to climb Mount Everest or quit your job to travel the world. Sometimes, all it takes is saying “yes” to something new. A salsa class. A book outside your usual genre. A conversation with someone whose life experience differs vastly from your own.

The ripple effects of these moments can be profound. They infuse our lives with a sense of adventure, make us more adaptable to change, and, most importantly, help us become more comfortable with uncertainty. Over time, they also build a foundation of self-trust. When we consistently push our boundaries, we learn to rely on ourselves in ways we never thought possible.

So, what would it mean for you to live expansively? What’s one thing you’ve always been curious about but hesitant to try?

Take the leap. It might not be easy, and it might not be comfortable. But it will be transformative. And in the process, you might just discover that the most expansive version of your life is waiting on the other side of discomfort.

(The writer is a mental health and behavioural sciences columnist, conducts art therapy workshops and provides personality development sessions for young adults. She can be found @the_millennial_pilgrim on Instagram and Twitter)