Why You Should Never Stop Trying: Taking Action and Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Last updated: February 3, 2026

Sometimes it feels like you need to be certain before you begin. As if you first need to know that something will work out. But in real life, confidence usually comes after action, not before it.

Trying is not just about “doing.” Trying is a skill. A way to train yourself in courage, resilience, and growth. And that is exactly why trying matters so much for mental health. Not because it is always fun, but because it helps you experience this: I can handle this.

This article is meant as inspiration and practical support, not medical advice. If you feel stuck or your symptoms continue, discuss it with your GP.

Why trying gives you so much

1) You learn by doing

When you try something new, you get feedback from real life. You discover what works, what does not, and what you need. That is much more valuable than staying stuck in your head forever.

2) You build resilience

Resilience is the ability to adapt to difficult situations. The American Psychological Association describes resilience as something you can develop, partly by continuing to move toward your goals and seeking support from others.
https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/building-your-resilience
https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience

3) You make your world bigger

Comfort zones may feel comfortable, but they do not make your life bigger. Small actions do.

Comfort zone does not always mean safe, it usually means familiar

A lot of people think comfort zone means safety. But often it simply means what your brain already knows. The familiar feels predictable, even when it is not actually helping you.

A practical approach that fits here is gradual exposure: doing something that feels scary step by step, so your brain learns that it is okay. The NHS explains this principle clearly in Facing your fears.
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/facing-your-fears/

Trying also means taking risks, but in a smart way

Taking risks does not mean being reckless. It means allowing yourself to be a beginner, to fail, and to learn.

Research on grit, perseverance, and long term goals shows that sticking with things is linked to success in different areas. That does not mean you always need to keep pushing, but it does mean that consistently trying often gets you further than waiting for motivation to magically appear.
https://gwern.net/doc/psychology/personality/conscientiousness/2007-duckworth.pdf

A personal example

I started blogging while living with dyslexia. Precisely by taking on that challenge, I felt again that everything is possible when you truly try. And that is also the foundation of Like Charlie. This brand would not exist without risk, without showing up, without trying.

Not because everything was perfect straight away, but because taking action is always better than staying stuck in doubt.

6 ways to keep trying without burning yourself out

1) Make it small enough to start today

Not: I’m going to change everything.
But: I’m taking one step that takes 5 minutes.

Examples:
• write for 5 minutes
• send one email
• make one phone call
• take a 10 minute walk
• say one difficult sentence out loud

2) Choose process over result

Focus on: did I practise, did I start, did I learn? This connects with growth mindset research, in which believing that you can develop is linked to more learning and more perseverance.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6594552/

3) Normalise failure

Failure is not the opposite of success. It is part of success. You can even choose one sentence to remind yourself:

“I’m learning this, and learning is messy.”

4) Schedule your attempt, not your perfect moment

Perfect timing rarely exists. Put the attempt in your calendar.

Example:
Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. – 15 minutes on that one task.

5) Make your action visible

Write down one sentence every day:
Today I tried...

This helps your brain remember growth, not only insecurity.

6) Use support

Trying becomes easier when someone else knows you are doing it.

A sentence you can send:
“I’m going to try something that feels exciting or scary. Can you ask me tomorrow if I did it?”

Mini challenge: 7 days of trying

Day 1: choose one thing you have been postponing and make it a 10 minute task
Day 2: do one action that feels uncomfortable, but safe
Day 3: ask for one piece of feedback
Day 4: share something small that you would normally keep inside
Day 5: repeat the action from day 1
Day 6: take one step toward a goal that matters to you
Day 7: write down what you learned, and what your next step is

Also worth watching: Brené Brown on vulnerability

Vulnerability is not weakness. Vulnerability is courage. And trying often requires vulnerability: you show yourself before you know how things will turn out.

This TED Talk is about 20 minutes long and is a strong reminder about vulnerability, courage, compassion, and connection:
https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability
More information about the talk:
https://brenebrown.com/videos/ted-talk-the-power-of-vulnerability/

What this has to do with Like Charlie

Like Charlie is here to make mental health easier to talk about and to start and keep the conversation going. Trying is a common thread in that. Small steps. Real conversations. Being honest about how you feel. And continuing, even when it feels exciting or difficult.

View all story print T shirts:
https://www.likecharlieclothing.com/collections/t-shirts

Discover the question card game to make real conversations easier:
https://www.likecharlieclothing.com/collections/vragenspellen

Read our story and find out who Charlie is:
https://www.likecharlieclothing.com/pages/het-verhaal

FAQ

What if I’m afraid of failing?

Make the step smaller. Your goal is not “succeeding,” your goal is “trying.” Even the attempt is already a win.

How do I know if I’m pushing myself too hard?

If you are not recovering anymore, sleeping worse, or feeling tense all the time. Then it is time to make things smaller and look for support.

What is the best first step out of my comfort zone?

One action that feels exciting or uncomfortable, but safe. Think of sending one message, starting one conversation, or practising once. The NHS explains this step by step approach in Facing your fears.
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/facing-your-fears/

Where can I go if I am struggling mentally?

Young people (16 to 27): https://www.injebol.nl/
Adults: https://mindhulplijn.nl/
For stress and mental health complaints, Thuisarts: https://www.thuisarts.nl/onderwerpen/psychische-klachten

Sources

APA, Building your resilience
https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/building-your-resilience

APA, Resilience overview
https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience

Duckworth et al. (2007), Grit: Perseverance and passion for long term goals (PDF)
https://gwern.net/doc/psychology/personality/conscientiousness/2007-duckworth.pdf

Dweck (2019), Mindsets: A View From Two Eras (open access)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6594552/

NHS, Facing your fears (gradual exposure)
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/facing-your-fears/

Brené Brown TED Talk
https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability
https://brenebrown.com/videos/ted-talk-the-power-of-vulnerability/