How to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

I know you’ve heard that quote about how success never came from the comfort zone. This is true, but figuring out your comfort zone and how to leave it - including why you’d want to since it’s so comfortable - can be a little challenging.

That’s why I’m writing this post. The comfort zone is super cozy, but the big things that make life worth living don’t happen within it.

What’s comfort zone?

Like, what does “comfort zone” even mean? It’s one of those phrases that’s a little bit buzzwordy and a little bit early ‘90s self-help poster. You know the kind I mean. 

The comfort zone is the “zone” or state we’re in when we feel safe and like we can control what’s happening in our lives. Life is good when we’re in the comfort zone and anxiety is at an all-time low. No wonder it’s got such a nice-sounding name. Yet, learning to come out of our comfort zone is essential to progressing as a business owner and a human. 

For most of us, our comfort zone definition is a state where all our needs are taken care of. We have enough food, water, and shelter to meet our basic needs, and we have love and friendship - those social aspects of being a human being. Yet, just like when we’re huddled under a blanket on a lazy Sunday, we’re comfy but not getting much done. 

By the way, I greatly advocate for fluffy blankets, lazy Sundays, and taking the day off. We just can’t do it all the time!

How do I leave my comfort zone?

Life begins outside your comfort zone, my friend. Just look at the image below.

Notice that the second stage in this model is the Fear Zone. When you leave your comfort zone, you’ll encounter fear. In fact, fear and uncertainty are significant obstacles to leaving the comfort zone. Some people get to the fear zone, turn right back around, and head back to their comfort zone. So don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re scared. It’s very human of you. 

Fixed habits are also another challenge to getting out of your comfort zone. Habits are naturally highly comfortable and help us deal with the realities of life. So, changing your habits and behaviors to leave your comfort zone is essential to your progress.

Here are some ideas that will help you move out of your comfort zone:

• Change your routine: Yep, something as small as changing your routine will help you learn to get out of your comfort zone more often.

• Do something you’ve always wanted to do: Is there something on your bucket list you’ve been waiting to try? Do it!

• Learn something new: It can be for work or personal life! A cooking class, a new certification…anything goes!

• Face a fear: Is there a fear that’s holding you back? It’s time to face it! And a spiritual business coach like me is uniquely qualified to help you conquer your fears, both emotionally and practically.

• Travel somewhere new: There’s nothing like getting out of your element to help you leave your comfort zone. Who knows, maybe it’ll help you build your dreams!

Benefits of leaving your comfort zone

As you gain more confidence, trust yourself, learn new things, and lean into your intuition, you’ll grow into a fuller human being. Wouldn’t you like to have more success in your life? I think you would. And I also know it’s scary to do it!

You might be asking yourself, “Why am I scared to move out of my comfort zone?” My friend, it’s because it’s natural! Yes, all progress takes place outside the comfort zone, AND it’s really hard to get out of it sometimes.

When you do, though, you begin to trust yourself as the authority in your life. You can get over the “shoulds” that the world tries to pile on top of us. You’ll be able to deal with challenges healthier and be happier about it. You’ll learn new skills and new hobbies! You’ll develop deep self-trust, too, which is, in my opinion, one of the most enlightened things you can do. So you can see that when you leave your comfort zone, a whole new part of the world opens up to you.

Becoming comfortable about leaving your comfort zone is the first step if you’re ready to start living your dreams. Remember, life begins outside your comfort zone.

If you’re ready to take a big leap toward your dreams, let’s talk. Schedule a coffee chat here to learn more about my coaching programs and to get started.