It’s Not Easy, But Push Yourself Beyond Your Comfort Zone
Editorial Team
Everyone has a place we call the “comfort zone.” It is comfortable, familiar, and safe. However, your comfort zone can become a hindrance to your success, especially if you remain stuck there for too long. Sure, you feel secure, but sometimes it also makes you feel trapped.
When you are working on your goals, and procrastination starts to creep in, you might hear someone say, “Get out of your comfort zone!” That can be a slap in the face and make you feel uncomfortable. Getting out of your comfort zone may require you doing something you are not confident in attempting. Or perhaps the ‘doing’ gives rise to uncomfortable emotions, such as fear or embarrassment.
What Benefits Are There In Going Beyond Your Comfort Zone?
Growth begins when you step out of your comfort zone. You will then see more doors of opportunity opening before your eyes. These hidden opportunities cannot be seen until the effort is made. Often, they are not even recognized at the time and are only appreciated from a ‘looking back’ position.
While we all need to feel calm and safe, we also need to break free and try new things. Otherwise, there is no growth, only stagnation. You will increase productivity and achievement when you step outside your comfortable place.
When you stay in your safe cocoon, you fail to feel the excitement of doing new things, so you fall back to just performing at a minimal level. That ‘gets the job done,’ but no more.
When you push yourself beyond your comfort zone, you activate that sense of urgency one feels when beating deadlines and expectations. You get more done in less time, and you find smarter ways to do your tasks. Going outside of your comfort zone requires taking risks and dealing with uncertainty – and that’s what will prepare you to face unexpected changes in the future.
How Can You Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone?
Here are some simple steps successful people do to push their boundaries:
Take The First Step
It is the most difficult part-taking the first step to go beyond your comfortable limit. But if you just do it, if you take courage and believe that you can do more, you can start to build momentum and keep moving.
You only have to be brave for thirty seconds, enough to take the initial plunge.
When you have taken the first step, you will know that you can really do it, and the rest will come naturally. You just need that first push.
Find A Compelling Reason
Pushing yourself beyond your comfortable limits can be difficult, especially if you have made a long-time habit of playing safe. Finding a compelling reason to do so will keep you motivated and driven to do the things you are afraid of, and to be comfortable in being uncomfortable.
Finding your “why” will keep you on track and help you go through the challenges along the way. It will remind you of the purpose of your journey and keep your motivational fire stoked.
Do What You Are Scared Of
You often stay in your comfort zone because you are afraid to do things that are not normal to you. Yet, when you see that you are not achieving things in life as much as you hoped for, your self-esteem takes a hit. In reality, what you most need to do is to expand your personal boundaries and feel the pride that comes with it.
The only way to overcome your fear is to do what you are scared of repeatedly and deliberately. Face your fears and you will realize that it often comes with a feeling of exhilaration, and that’s what you should bank on so you can get past what holds you back.
Most of the things we fear are emotional – fear of failing, or ridicule, or criticism. Take a reality check; none of these are physical dangers that could result in death or injury. Care a little less about others’ responses, and do it!
Try Something New Every Day
For maximum benefit, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone should become your new normal. To make coming out of your comfort zone a habit, do something new every day. Change your routine.
Try taking a new route or mode of transport to work. Eat at a new restaurant, or try a different meal. Observe your surroundings more diligently and see what you may have missed before. When you get used to trying out new things, you will be surprised at how changes become less intimidating and getting out of your comfort zone becomes easier.
Pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone can do wonders in your life, helping you to achieve your goals and make your dreams a reality. Balance is essential, so don’t overdo it. It is still important to have that space where you can be emotionally safe and comfortable and where you can process your experiences. Make a cycle out of advancing, then retreating and relaxing.
Nothing herein is intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please do your research and seek professional advice before using any information.