Choose Growth Over Comfort: The Small Brave Steps That Build Your Dream Life

By Kristina Karlsson

Have you ever felt that nudge? The one that whispers, “Do the scary thing.” Say yes. Speak up. Go for it.

Then, just as quickly, the other voice arrives: “Stay where you are. It’s safer here.”

I want to talk about that moment today - it's something I covered in this recent podcast.

Because as Abraham Maslow once said:

"At any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety."

It’s such a powerful reminder that every single day, we are invited into growth—even when it’s uncomfortable, messy, or uncertain.

And the truth is: your dream life doesn’t live inside your comfort zone.

It lives on the other side of your brave steps.

🌿 The Growth Path Is a Daily Choice

We all face moments—big and small—where we decide between stepping forward into growth or staying safe in what we know.

Growth doesn’t always mean radical change. Often, it’s subtle:

• Saying no to what no longer serves you.

• Saying yes to an opportunity, even when fear is present.

• Finally asking the question you’ve been avoiding.

• Writing down a dream that’s been lingering in your heart.

When we choose courage, we grow. When we choose comfort, we stay the same.

And staying the same means staying stuck.I know. I've been there.

✨ Key Insight #1: Recognise Your Choice Points

One of the most empowering things you can do is begin to notice when you're at a crossroads.

This week, I invite you to tune into those small moments:

• That internal tug when you’re about to shrink back.

• That resistance before pressing "send."

• That quiet hesitation before speaking up.

These are your choice points.

When they come this week, take a breath. Ask yourself, “What would stepping forward look like right now?”

That one question can change everything.

✨ Key Insight #2: Growth Comes in Tiny Brave Steps

We often believe growth requires huge leaps. But actually, it begins with the tiniest acts of bravery.

Maybe it’s:

• Booking a coffee catch-up.

• Opening your journal and writing down your dream.

• Signing up for something that lights you up.

• Saying, “I’m ready,” even if you’re not 100% sure.

Progress—not perfection—is what matters.

Because momentum builds confidence. And confidence opens doors.

✨ Key Insight #3: Create a Growth Ritual

Want to make growth your default? Make it a daily practice.
Here are some of my favourite rituals:

• 💭 Morning Prompt: “Today, I will step forward by…”

• 🌙 Evening Reflection: “What was one brave moment I had today?”

• 🧘 Mantra: “I choose growth today.” Use it anytime fear creeps in.

Small rituals ground us in our intentions.

They remind us that bravery is built one day at a time.

✨ Key Insight #4: Growth Is Messy—and Worth It

When I first dreamed of building my own business, I had no clue what I was doing. No experience. No money. No connections. Just a big, wild dream.

Every day, I had to make the same decision: Will I step forward into growth—or back into safety?

Some days, I stepped back. But on the days I stepped forward, something beautiful happened: I built resilience. I built belief. I built my dream.

It was never perfect. But it was always worth it.

If I can do it, you can too.

✨ Key Insight #5: Your Dream Life Starts With One Step

Your dream life doesn’t arrive all at once. It’s created one brave decision at a time.

So this week, here’s your challenge:

💛 Notice your choice points.
💛 Choose one small brave step forward.
💛 Celebrate your courage.

You're so much stronger, wiser, and braver than you realise.

And your dream life is right there, waiting for you—on the other side of that first step.

You’ve got this 💛

💫 Want to Grow With Us?

If you're ready to take your next step in a supportive, like-minded community, now is the perfect time to join me.

🪴 In our Coaching Program, May’s theme is Manifesting Your Dream Life—with mindfulness as our core habit. We’ve got a beautiful Workshop and a guided meditation by the incredible Dr. Elise Bialylew (founder of Mindful in May).

📚 In our GROW Book Club, we’re reading “The Dose Effect” by Dr. TJ Power—a book I truly believe everyone should read.  If you’re curious, we’re offering a one-month trial to give it a go. NEW Member trial offer - just $9! Learn more here.

So grab your journal, write down your dreams, and take that first small step.

...if you need help dreaming, we have a wonderful free dreaming exercise here for you...

I’m cheering you on all the way.

Love,