The Power of People Who Push Us Beyond Our Comfort Zone

We all crave comfort. Routines, familiarity, and safe spaces help us feel in control. But here’s the thing—comfort doesn’t grow us. It keeps us exactly where we are.

If we want to learn, evolve, and step into versions of ourselves we never thought possible (or maybe never even wanted to become), we need people in our orbit who aren’t afraid to push us beyond that cozy edge.

This month, I’m celebrating the 1-year anniversary of becoming a published author—something I never wanted to do.

From “Never” to “Now What?”

For years, I stood on stages keynoting my KFG framework (Keep Freaking Going). I loved sharing stories of resilience and helping audiences walk away with tools they could apply immediately in their lives.

After countless events, I started hearing the same question:
“Do you have this written down anywhere? Something I can share with my team, my family, my friends?”

My answer was always a firm no. I wasn’t a writer. I had no desire to put my work in a book. It felt too big, too daunting, too far outside my wheelhouse.

But the push kept coming—from clients, colleagues, friends, even strangers in my audiences. Eventually, I had to face it: this wasn’t about me. It was about the people who needed a way to bring the message home.

And so, I wrote.

The Messy Middle

Let me be honest—it wasn’t glamorous. It took three years. My original publishing company went bankrupt just as I was about to cross the finish line, costing me thousands and delaying everything.

There were tears. Frustration. Days I wanted to quit.

But that’s what KFG is all about—facing the unexpected, recalibrating, and taking the next step forward anyway. So, I did.

And eventually, the book was released into the world, on the exact day it was suppose to… which oddly turned out to be my very first day of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer!  Amazing how the world works! 

The Lesson I Didn’t Know I Needed

Today, I’m deeply grateful for the people who nudged, encouraged, and flat-out challenged me to do the thing I swore I’d never do. They pushed me outside my comfort zone, and in that stretch, I discovered more about myself than I thought possible.

I learned resilience in a whole new form. I learned that “I’m not a writer” was just a story I was telling myself. And I learned the magic that comes when we stop resisting discomfort and start leaning into it.

Now? I’m already thinking about writing another book.

Why This Matters for You

If you’re lucky enough to have people in your orbit who see more in you than you see in yourself—hold on tight. They may be the key to unlocking the next version of you.

Growth doesn’t happen when everything is easy. It happens when someone says, “You can do this”—and you believe them enough to try.

So, here’s my encouragement to you: listen to those pushes. Honor the discomfort. Trust the people who want more for you than staying the same.

Because on the other side of that discomfort? You just might find a life you never even imagined.

I’m Krista Ryan

My job is to help you learn a little, laugh a lot, and get clear on action steps for your success.

It may have taken a life changing event to shake me awake and decide I no longer wanted to live a comfortable life… I wanted to embrace the discomfort and live a life of courage and intention.

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