Stepping Into the Unknown
By: Alyssa Hobgood | PIA Director
True growth rarely comes from staying comfortable. Some of my most transformative experiences have happened when I stepped into unfamiliar territory—nervous, unsure, and entirely out of my comfort zone. For me, 2024 became a year of courage: breaking free from my comfort zone, letting go of things that drained me, and embracing new opportunities to serve, connect, and grow.
This journey wasn’t without challenges. It required releasing toxic habits, relationships, and environments to create room for new possibilities. By doing so, I found myself stepping into roles and opportunities I never imagined. Volunteering in areas I’d never considered, trying new hobbies, serving at church, and taking on different responsibilities at work opened doors to meaningful connections and personal growth. Even walking into events where I didn’t know anyone led to incredible friendships, simply because I made the effort to meet someone new.
Staying in your comfort zone often means staying stagnant. Growth demands discomfort—it requires you to take on challenges, face fears, and step into spaces that stretch you. Last year, serving others became a profound avenue for my transformation. Volunteering for new opportunities helped me uncover passions and skills I hadn’t fully realized. Serving in new areas within my role allowed me to grow professionally while building deeper connections within the agency.
But perhaps the most rewarding part was finding ways to serve my church. Whether through volunteering or stepping into ministry opportunities, these experiences deepened my faith and gave me a stronger sense of purpose and belonging.
Had I not taken those initial, uncomfortable steps—whether volunteering, trying a new hobby, or introducing myself at an event — I’d still be stuck in the same routines. But by embracing the unknown, I discovered not only personal growth but also a life filled with purpose, community, and connection.
If you’re standing at the edge of something new and intimidating, take the leap. Volunteer for that new role, pick up that hobby you’ve been avoiding, or serve in a way that stretches you. The most transformative experiences often come when we step outside our comfort zones. On the other side of fear lies growth, connection, and the opportunity to make a difference.