Image Source: FreeImagesAs we grow personally and professionally, we are often faced with new challenges. While some of them may be a bit scary at first, stepping out of our comfort zone can help us grow as individuals and advance our careers. You might think it’s impossible to step out of your comfort zone because you feel very comfortable in it. However, even the most introverted people can step out of their comfort zones on occasion if they put their mind to it. This blog post will give you tips on how to step out of your comfort zone and how to push yourself outside your boundaries so that you can thrive in different situations.
Know when it’s time to step out of your comfort zone
The first step to stepping out of your comfort zone is knowing when it’s time to do it. In order to do this, you need to first understand how your comfort zone affects you. While it’s good to be comfortable in your own skin, there are times when you need to push yourself out of this zone to achieve your goals. When you’re in your comfort zone, you’re in the “Autopilot” mode and may be going through the motions but not truly moving forward. You don’t learn as much when you’re in this zone, so it’s important to get yourself out of your comfort zone at the right times.
Set small goals that will lead to bigger ones
When you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, it’s important to set small goals that will help you get used to the new situation. For instance, if you want to speak at a public event, you don’t have to go right to the big event. You can start off with a smaller event and work your way up to the bigger ones. When setting goals, try to make them tangible and measurable. For example, you could set a goal to improve your public speaking skills by giving a presentation to your colleagues at work. This might seem like a small goal, but it will help you get ready for the bigger event such as the public lecture.
Make a plan and rehearse it
Another way to tackle stepping out of your comfort zone is to make a plan and rehearse it. If you want to start a blog but you have never published anything online before, don’t just dive into it and expect everything to work out. When you make a plan and know what you’re getting yourself into, you’ll feel a lot more prepared to take on the new situation. Before diving headfirst into your goal, take the time to research your options and make a plan. This will help you feel more confident in the new situation since you’ll know what to expect. For example, let’s say you want to start a blog. Before you do so, research the blogging world and determine what you want to write about. Then, make a plan for how you’re going to go about publishing your blog posts.
Find ways to shake up your routine
Another way to get outside of your comfort zone is to shake up your routine. When you do the same things every day, you’re getting into a comfort zone and might be missing out on other opportunities that are out there for you. If you like your job, there is nothing wrong with doing the same tasks day in and day out. However, if you feel like you’re in a rut or are growing stagnant at work and don’t know how to break out of it, shaking up your routine is a good way to get outside of your comfort zone. For example, if you always take the same route to work every day, try taking a different route to shake things up a bit. This doesn’t have to be something drastic; it could be as simple as going to a different coffee shop or taking a different break time.
Find something that scares you and do it
There are times when you want to step out of your comfort zone and there are times when you just have to do it. If you’re feeling anxious about something but you know that you need to do it, just do it. Don’t overthink it or make it worse by letting your mind get the best of you. Instead, just do it and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. For example, let’s say you have been wanting to learn how to swim but have always been too nervous to take swimming classes. Instead of letting the fear of public humiliation hold you back, just do it. For some people, it can help to make a deal with yourself. If you promise yourself that you’ll do something scary, you’ll feel more obligated to actually go through with it.
Network with others and ask for help
Another way to get outside your comfort zone is to network with others. While it’s important to be honest in your relationships, it’s often helpful to network with others in the same industry or profession as you. You can network with others in many ways, such as joining professional associations, joining online communities, and joining online professional networks like LinkedIn. Once you’ve joined these groups, you should try to reach out to others and ask them to connect with you. Networking with others can help you grow professionally and personally. For example, if you’re looking for a job, you could offer to help someone else in the same field find a job by introducing them to your connections. If you help others out, they will likely help you out in return.
Bottom line
If you want to advance your career, you have to get out of your comfort zone at times. This isn’t something that happens overnight, but rather something that takes time and effort. You can make this process easier by knowing when it’s time to step out of your comfort zone, setting small goals, making a plan, shaking up your routine, finding something that scares you, and networking with others.
