Don't Leave Your Comfort Zone, Expand It

That’s when the new version of you needs to show up. You will most likely not be willing to step out of your comfort zone and into discomfort until you are extremely uncomfortable with the comfort zone itself. Small Business Trends is an award-winning online publication for small business owners, entrepreneurs and the people who interact with them. Our mission is to bring you "Small business success … delivered daily." To get out of your comfort zone, you may make a physical change such as embarking on a fitness program and diet plan . Sometimes that leap from the comfort zone is a big one – take the first step by making an appointment with your physician and seeking advice.

As you breathe in, picture yourself also taking in confidence. Once this confidence has filled you up, it's there to stay. Release your breath and your insecurities along with it. This will help you relax and actually enjoy life's new challenges, as you won't be so distracted by feelings of stress, insecurity, or fear.

In everyday life, there are ample opportunities to challenge yourself. Turn off your smartphone and television while having dinner, decide what to wear more quickly, or just slow down to take in the surroundings on a walk. These changes break you out of old, comfortable routines. Occupying the comfort zone isn’t always detrimental. For example, it might be reasonable to stay in your ukulele-playing comfort zone but not your managing-personal-finances one.

I encourage you to push yourself in Personal Development unfamiliar places, to do things that you wouldn’t normally do. Now, I realize that this can mean several different things to different people. If you are agreeing to travel in general, then you are already agreeing to step out of your comfort zone. You are willing and eager to explore new territories, meet new people, try new foods, and immerse yourself in a new culture.

Figure out the worst that can happen, and the best that can happen. Focus on those best things, and it will be easier to escape that zone comfort. One way to leave your comfort zone is to learn new skills that give you a competitive advantage and make you more employable.

So even when you know you’ve outgrown your comfort zone, fear holds you back from moving forward. For instance, you may hesitate to pursue a different career path because of a fear of failure. Finding the motivation to leave your comfort zone isn’t easy.