Why Playing It Safe is the Biggest Mistake You’re Making (And How to Break Free)

How often have you played it safe? Avoided risks? Stayed inside your comfort zone because it felt easier?

I get it. But here’s the truth: playing it safe is the biggest mistake you’re making when it comes to growth. If you want to truly level up, you need to start taking bold risks.

In this post, I’m going to show you why staying safe is the killer of your potential and how you can break free from the comfort zone that’s been holding you back. (For a more in depth conversation on this topic, check out the podcast episode here). 

Safety feels comfy

- Our brains are wired for safety—we’re designed to avoid danger, to stay inside our comfort zones. But here’s the truth: while safety might feel comfortable, it also limits us. You might think you’re safe, but you’re actually just stuck. Growth only happens outside your comfort zone—and it’s time to break out of that trap.

No growth in your comfort zone 

If you’re not taking risks, you’re not growing. It’s that simple. Real transformation happens when you stretch yourself, when you go after bigger opportunities that challenge you. You can’t expect to achieve extraordinary success by playing it small. The greatest rewards come when you embrace discomfort and push through your fears.

Our Brains are Wired to Protect Us:

Our brains are literally hardwired to avoid risk because they want to protect us. But growth requires discomfort. Our brains will try to keep us small to stay safe, but we have to override that natural instinct to really thrive.The brain’s instinct to play it safe is helpful in dangerous situations—but it’s counterproductive when it comes to growth and success. You need to retrain your brain to embrace risk.

How to Start Embracing Risk

• Recognize Your Fears: Fear is natural, but it’s just a feeling. The first step in breaking free from your comfort zone is to acknowledge your fear. Identify what’s holding you back and name it.
• Start Small: You don’t have to take huge leaps right away. Start with small risks—push yourself a little beyond your comfort zone each day. Build up your confidence over time.
• Reframe the Fear: Change the way you think about risk. Start seeing it as an opportunity for growth, not something to avoid.
• Surround Yourself with Risk-Takers: When you surround yourself with people who encourage risk-taking, it’s easier to push yourself further.

Recently, I’ve been embracing bigger risks in my business and life. It’s not easy—but the rewards have been incredible. I’ve seen growth, new opportunities, and a level of confidence that only comes from stepping outside my comfort zone.

It’s time to stop playing it safe and start embracing risk. The moment you do, you’ll unlock new opportunities, find deeper growth, and experience life in a way you never thought possible. Your next-level success is on the other side of comfort—and it’s time to take the leap.