Leaving Your Comfort Zone (Without Leaving Your Skill Zone)

You’re not alone. That fear pops up in so many home bakers—whether you're just starting out or already knee-deep in buttercream and custom orders.

But here's what really got me thinking the other day. A follower left this comment on one of my Instagram reels: “Leaving your comfort zone isn’t the same as leaving your skill zone.”

Whew. That one hit hard. And it’s 100% true.

Let’s break it down—because it might just be the mindset shift you need right now.

Fear is Sneaky—And It Sounds Like Logic

We often dress our fear up as “being practical.” We tell ourselves...

• “I can’t sign up for that event until I know I’ll get sales.”
• “I shouldn’t post yet—I don’t know what to say and no one comments anyway.”
• “I shouldn’t charge that much—I’m not experienced enough.”

But most of the time, it’s not a lack of skill holding us back. It’s the discomfort of possibly getting it wrong. Of being visible and not perfect.

What we’re really afraid of isn’t failure. It’s feeling awkward.

Read this article on The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset and Intrinsic Motivation for more on how incentives, intentions, and intrinsic values trigger our actions.

Just Because It's Scary Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Do It

Here’s the truth I’ve learned (and have to remind myself of constantly):
Fear doesn’t mean “stop.” It often means you're stepping toward growth.

• Posting on social media is scary. But you already know how to show your work.
• Signing up for a market is nerve-wracking. But you can talk to folks and bake your best.
• Trying a new technique might feel intimidating. But it’s how you get better.

You're not impostering. You're evolving. Big difference.✨

None of this is outside your skill zone. It’s just outside your comfort zone.

So What Do You Do With That Discomfort?

You take baby steps. You treat every new challenge as a test kitchen. You get curious instead of critical.

Here are a few brave, doable micro-steps you can take this week:

• 📸 Post something on Instagram—even if it’s just a behind-the-scenes moment
• 🧁 Sign up for that local pop-up event or farmer’s market
• 🍓 Try a technique you’ve bookmarked for weeks but haven’t dared to try
• 💬 Ask your audience a silly poll or baking “either/or”—engagement counts!

If you treat every action like a learning experience, you can’t fail. You can only grow.

And yep, sometimes growth feels like sweaty palms and second-guessing. Totally normal.

You Don’t Have to Do it Alone (That’s What The Baker’s Library Is For)

If you’re in that awkward in-between—where your dream is real, but your confidence is still warming up—please know this:
You’re not the only one.

That’s why I created The Baker’s Library for Home Bakers.

It’s a cozy, welcoming corner of the internet where you can:

• 🍞 Learn business basics (without the overwhelm)
• 📚 Watch clear, step-by-step trainings at your own pace
• 🧠 Join our monthly live Q&A calls where nothing is “too beginner”
• 💬 Connect with other bakers in our private Facebook group—who totally get it

And it’s $17/month it’s less than a grocery store cookie run. 🍪😉

👉 Click here to join The Baker’s Library and give yourself the structure, support, and encouragement you’ve been craving.
You’ll be amazed at what you can handle when you’re not doing it all on your own.

One Last Thought...

If your hands are shaking a little while you move forward—that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

It means you’re brave enough to show up anyway.

And that right there?
That’s how businesses (and bakers) grow. 💛

If this post reminded you of something you've been putting off because it's outside your comfort zone… tell me in the comments or send me a DM. I’d love to cheer you on.

- Michelle