Episode 149

149 - Breaking Out of Our Comfort Zones

149 - Breaking Out of Our Comfort Zones

We're going to shake things up a bit and explore the idea that inconvenience can actually be GOOD for us! That's right, you heard me correctly. We're going to dive into the ways in which our modern conveniences may actually be limiting our experiences and keeping us from connecting with others.

"The Comfort Crisis" by Michael Easter is about the ways in which we've become too reliant on convenience. I've had some experiences in my own life where inconvenience actually led to some unexpected moments of connection and reflection.

In this episode, we're going to talk about the dangers of becoming too comfortable and the Japanese approach to convenience as a design challenge. We'll also explore how losing the ability to adapt to changes or challenges can really hold us back in life.

We're going to break out of our comfort zones and embrace inconvenience in a meaningful way that will expand our experiences and connect us with others.


https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=3681

https://eastermichael.com/book/

Jill’s Links


https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

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About the Podcast

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Start with Small Steps
Thoughtful personal growth through small, realistic steps you can use in everyday life.

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About your host

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Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.