By Estra Roell – Life Coach

How To Get Out of Comfort Zone

“If you always do what is easy and choose the path of least resistance, you never step outside your comfort zone. Great things don’t come from comfort zones.”

~ Roy Bennett

Coming out of your comfort zone Manoj Arora Quote
Estra Roell

“Real change is difficult at the beginning, but gorgeous at the end. Change  begins the moment you get the courage and step outside your comfort  zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.” 

― Roy T. Bennett 

The comfort zone is a psychological state in which one feels safe, at ease  and secure, surrounded by the familiar. 

It’s a necessary place to be, as we  all need to feel safe. We’re actually hard wired to seek comfort. However, it  is equally necessary to occasionally step out of that place of the familiar in  order to grow and to live fully.  

When was the last time you did something for the first time?  

As children, we did it frequently. As a former teacher of young children I  can tell you that children delight in experiencing new things and if it doesn’t  go right it’s no big deal. They’re happy to try again. That’s how they learn  about the world around them. 

So, what happens along the way that causes so many people to stay stuck  in their comfort zone? We learn fear. 

We become afraid of the results  ending in ridicule or failure. As a result, we stymie our growth and our  potential for more success, more joy, more enrichment. 

Getting out of your comfort zone need not be excruciating. Taking risks  and experiencing a little anxiety is what helps us grow. And the other side  of fear is truly exhilarating! 

Here are some tips to help you: 

1. What are the things you see as worthwhile that you’re stopping yourself  from because they feel uncomfortable? 

Make a list and pick one to start. 

2. Start with small steps. 

Taking too big a jump will be overwhelming and  send you back into your comfort zone. Break it down into small steps. If  you want to speak in front of people, practice in front of a few trusted family members or friends first. If you want to be more adventuresome and  explore new places, start by taking a different route to work.  

3. Grab a partner! 

Join a meet-up group or a gym with a friend. It’s easier  to enter new territory with a friend. 

For example, I wanted to do a radio  show shortly after becoming a coach, but was afraid to get started. So—I  co-hosted with another coach. We were both nervous to start, but less so  than we would have been alone. We ended up having a blast and  interviewing so many wonderful people! Later, I hosted a radio program  solo and loved that as well. 

4. See mistakes or “failures” as learning experiences. 

That’s what they  really are, after all. With every so-called failure you learn something new  that you can utilize the next time to increase your chances of success. Be  willing to let go of taking yourself so seriously! 

5. Be honest with yourself about what’s really going on. 

Instead of making  excuses about why you can’t do something, admit that you are feeling fear.  As soon as you own your feelings, it gets easier to deal with them. You can  then move forward with more clarity. 

6. Visualize the outcome you want. 

What would it feel like to go on the  trip, play on the sports team, speak in front of an appreciative audience, get  the dream job? Inject a feeling of fun into it!  

7. Focus on the benefits of breaking through your comfort zone. 

What will  you gain by trying something new? How will you grow personally or how  will it advance you in your career?

Estra Roell, Certified LOA and Life Purpose Coach – www.AmericasLifePurposecoach.com 

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