Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone is Important in Business
MELINDA HARCOURT
June 15, 2022
category |
Written by |
As a measure of self-preservation against potential failure, many of us play small to stay safe. We sit within our comfort zones and let time pass us by.
Before you even realise it, it’s been 3 months, 6 months, 1 year or 5 years of sitting stagnant. And you wonder why nothing’s changed.
And the more time we spend waiting around, the more we’re letting our time and money go down the drain.
If you’ve been sitting on dreams waiting for the “right time” to feel comfortable before making big leaps…
It’s time to face your fears and confront what’s truly stopping you.
Because all it takes is that first step. Just one small step outside of your comfort zone to get one step closer to entering your growth zone. Discomfort is the only path to growth.
You’ve got one life to live, so make your everyday decisions count. If you want to change the story of your life, rise above your former self so you can show up as your higher self.
Quit surviving and start THRIVING!!
9 tips for getting out of your comfort zone as a business owner
1. Get information
Your anxiety is likely stemming from your fear of the unknown which leads to make-believe, worst-case scenarios that haven’t even happened yet.
To overcome that, educate yourself by researching online, reading books or talking to people who have done it. The more you know about something, the less scary it becomes and the more empowered you’ll feel!
2. Set a clear goal
This goal will give you clarity and direction, making sure that every decision and action you make is aligned with the bigger picture.
3. Create an action plan
Break down the exact steps you need to take to get from A to B. Create mini benchmarks so you can celebrate the small goals you’ll hit along the way, reaffirming that you are on track and making progress!
4. Hold yourself accountable
Share your plan with your partner, a biz bestie or friends/family. This is key to manifesting your goals and they’re the ones who will give you that push whenever you feel like you’re starting to falter.
5. Take that first baby step
Now it’s time to take action! You don’t have to go from zero to hero instantly. Desensitise yourself to the fear and anxiety by taking that first crucial small step out of your comfort zone.
Feel the fear, reframe it into excitement/motivation and do it!
6. Aggressively tackle your fears
This is a rapid-fire approach where you do a lot of something you’re scared of, shocking your system and breaking through the resistance until you start becoming comfortable with it.
You can use the ‘aggressive’ approach in short bursts whenever you feel yourself slipping back into your old ways.
7. Accept failure and/or negative outcomes
If it happens, don’t let it shake your confidence. Mistakes and failures are simply opportunities for you to reflect on how you can do things differently to achieve success with your next attempt.
8. Celebrate your successes
Embrace that endorphin rush and reward yourself for getting out of your comfort zone to hit a growth goal! Take the time to celebrate and give yourself a pat on the back. Savour the moment.
9. Keep expanding your comfort zone
Once you’ve successfully hit your goal, find a new challenge so you can keep pushing those boundaries.
Between who you are today and who you want to become, there’s always going to be discomfort.
Unrealistic goals call for equally unrealistic, uncomfortable action. Your dreams and ambitions are worth fighting for. So stop being reactive to what’s happening around you and start being proactive about the end goal!
Ask yourself:
- By the end of 2023, I want to be…
- Where do I want to be in 5 years’ time?
- In 10 years, I’ll be…
- What actions do I need to take and what changes do I need to make?
Regardless of where you’re at right now on your journey, go all in and make this your comeback year – no matter what the naysayers and fearmongers may say.
Feel the fear, make the leap and don’t look back.
