It’s easy to remain within our boundaries, our safe zones, our comfort zones. Same house, same town, same job. Forever! Just limiting yourself to what you know. Who you know. Where you go. But what if you took a step outside of your comfort zone? Because if you’ve ever read or heard anything about growth and self-development then you’ll know that all the good stuff happens way outside of your comfort zone. So what’s holding you back? Take the step!
Take The First Step
Taking the first step to getting out of your comfort zone is always the hardest. But after you take the first step, the next one will be a little bit easier. Think of it like your first day at a new school or a new job. It’s horrible and you are filled to the brim with nerves. But after the first day it gets a little bit easier. And the more days you go the easier it gets until you get to the point where you can’t remember being terrified about your first day at all.
In business, doing things like making a video or creating any content can be really scary. You are essentially exposing yourself, online for all to see. Or at least exposing your business. Which means we can attract negativity or just idiots that want to pass comment. So we stick to being comfortable in our comfort zones and never make the video. Or do the Instagram Story or Snapchat or write the blog post. But without taking steps into the unknown outside of our comfort zones then we will never know what opportunities could be waiting for us out there.
Put Yourself In A New Environment
Comfort zones are created by the habits we form. Going to the same restaurants or places on holiday. Doing the same things in our businesses without trying anything new. Boring.
Try going to new places. If it’s to eat out, try somewhere completely new. When you’re booking your next holiday, try somewhere new. In business, why not try a new marketing strategy. Or try listening to someone new who may have new ideas. Rather than following the same well-worn paths that other teach and many follow with little success.
Learn To Make Quick Decisions
When we are in our nice comfy comfort zones we either put off making decisions or take forever to decide what we are going to do.
Let’s say for example you think it may be good to offer a new service in your business. But it will require doing some different marketing or approaching a new target audience. Outside of your comfort zone. Scary. But it’s a good idea. If you make the decision quickly to do, set something up to start that process. Be it create a webpage, give it a name, create some branding. Just do something to start the process. However, if you want to stay in your comfort zone then you’ll probably sit on your idea for 6 months and be annoyed when you see someone else doing it and making it work. You’ll then give up on it.
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Make the decision and take the first step. Flip a coin if you have to if the decision is that difficult!
Say Yes To Opportunities
When an opportunity presents itself that you may not be ready for, what do you do? Think of all the reasons why you aren’t ready; not got the skills, experience, time, support etc etc etc. And then probably say no to the opportunity, thus missing it.
What if you said yes? And then figured out the details. Skills can be learnt or found elsewhere. Experience is relative to what you probably already know. Time can always be found if you want something enough. Support, well you can either hire it or force someone to be nice to you. Either way, say yes to more and then figure it out. Don’t let opportunities pass you by.
Likewise, there are some opportunities you absolutely should say no to. If someone or business displays any of the red flags of a bad client, then say no. And keep on saying no. No matter what bills you may need paying. Bad clients never work out well in the end. Trust me, you won’t turn a bad one into a good one. They will just turn you insane!
Do Something You’re Afraid Of
Now please don’t do anything silly here like jump out of a plane or stick your hand in the fire. I’m not talking that scary. But often in business, we don’t do small things because we are afraid. Usually, we are afraid of the outcome, not the process. We don’t ask for what we want, not because we can’t send an email with a question in it. But because we are afraid the answer will be no. But getting a no won’t be the end of the world. It just means that’s not the right thing for you to be asking for and there’s something far better out there for you.
So try doing small things that are outside of your comfort zone, that you’re a little bit afraid of. Whether it’s making a video, sending a scary email or telling that not so nice friend to butt out and keep their unwanted opinions to themselves. Take a deep breath and do it. You’ll feel better afterward regardless of the outcome.
Challenge
So this week I challenge you to do something outside of your comfort zone. Let me know in the comments what it is so you can hold yourself accountable and let us know how you get on.
Remember even if it all goes wrong, tomorrow, the sun will still rise and you can start all over again.
