Every artist reaches a point where they feel stuck. Maybe your music is good, but it’s not evolving. Maybe you dream of performing but can’t seem to take that first step. Maybe you’re watching others succeed and wondering why you’re not growing at the same pace.

The truth is, growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens when you push yourself into unfamiliar territory—where things feel uncertain, challenging, and even a little scary.

If you want to make an impact in music (or any creative field), you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

The Comfort Zone Trap

It’s easy to stay in a familiar space, surrounded by the same people, writing in the same style, performing in the same safe environments. But if you never step outside of that, you limit yourself.

Think about it:

• If you only play in front of friends and family, how will you ever handle a real stage?
• If you never reach out to more experienced musicians, how will you learn new techniques?
• If you never put your music out there, how will anyone ever discover you?

Many artists wait until they feel “ready,” but the truth is, you’ll never feel fully ready. The only way to grow is to take action—before you feel prepared, before you have all the answers, before you know exactly how things will turn out.

How to Challenge Yourself as an Artist

Stepping outside of your comfort zone doesn’t mean uprooting your life overnight. It means making small but meaningful choices that push you toward growth. Here are some ways to start:

1. Surround Yourself with People Who Inspire You: There’s a saying: You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. If you’re always the most talented person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Find musicians, producers, and creatives who challenge you—people who are further along in their careers, who bring fresh perspectives, and who push you to elevate your craft. Growth happens when you’re surrounded by people who set a high standard and inspire you to reach for more.
2. Say Yes to Opportunities That Scare You: Growth happens when you say yes to things you’re not entirely sure you can handle. Apply for that artist showcase. Submit your song to a playlist. Send that DM to a producer you admire. Yes, it’s scary. Yes, rejection is possible. But each step you take builds resilience and opens new doors.
3. Seek Out Live Performance Experiences: Performing is one of the biggest ways to grow as an artist, yet so many musicians avoid it out of fear. The best way to overcome stage fright and build confidence is to perform—over and over again. Start small. Go to an open mic (even if you don’t play at first). Join a local jam session. Busk on the street. Each experience teaches you something new, and before you know it, performing will feel natural.
4. Experiment with New Sounds and Styles: If you always write in the same genre, try something different. If you always produce on your own, collaborate with someone new. Pushing your creative boundaries forces you to grow and keeps your artistry fresh. Think about the artists you admire. Chances are, they didn’t get where they are by playing it safe. They took risks, reinvented their sound, and weren’t afraid to evolve.
5. Shift Your Mindset: It’s Not a Competition, It’s a Collaboration: Many artists hold themselves back because they compare themselves to others. They see someone else succeeding and feel discouraged instead of inspired. The reality is, the music industry isn’t a zero-sum game. Someone else’s success doesn’t take away from yours. When you start seeing other artists as collaborators instead of competitors, everything changes.

A Real-Life Example: Alexandra Beck’s Leap of Faith

One artist who embodies this mindset is Alexandra Beck. Originally from Canada, she made the bold move to relocate to Los Angeles—one of the most competitive music cities in the world.

At first, it was overwhelming. She was surrounded by some of the most talented artists, dancers, and musicians she had ever seen. Instead of feeling discouraged, she used it as motivation. She immersed herself in the culture, took dance classes, attended live shows, and pushed herself to improve.

She also learned an important lesson: The key to success isn’t about being the best in the room—it’s about being in a room that makes you better.

Now, she’s thriving in LA, releasing music, and building a name for herself—all because she refused to stay comfortable.

Your Challenge: Take One Step Outside Your Comfort Zone This Week

You don’t have to move across the country to step outside your comfort zone. But you do have to take action.

Ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do this week that challenges me?

Here are a few ideas: 

• Sign up for an open mic night (even if you don’t perform yet.

• Reach out to an artist you admire and start a conversation.
• Post a snippet of your music online—even if it’s not perfect.
• Try writing or producing in a style outside of your comfort zone.
• Apply for a gig, playlist, or contest you’ve been hesitating on.

Growth happens when you do the things that scare you. The more you push yourself, the more confident you’ll become—and soon, the things that once seemed impossible will feel like second nature.

So, what’s your next move? Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media—I’d love to hear how you’re challenging yourself this week!

And if you’re looking for some musical inspiration, check out Alexandra Beck’s new single Hit This, dropping on February 28. Follow her on Instagram (@alexandramariabeck) and stream her music on all major platforms.

Keep pushing, keep growing, and never stop stepping into the unknown. That’s where the magic happens.

If something here resonated with you, please feel free to leave a comment, or DM me at @tzayla.official. I would absolutely love to hear from you!!

Thanks for reading, and Keep Dreaming Big!

God Bless,

Adventure sounds like THIS

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