How to get out of your comfort zone

The problem with comfort zones is that they’re just too…well…comfortable. We’re in a rut and while it’s hard to peek over the edges and see what else is out there, it’s what we know. We’re familiar with every little section. It’s safe.

Or is it?

Here’s a sampling of what you’re missing by staying in The Zone:

• The chance to meet new and exciting people (maybe even your soul mate, if you’re in the market)
• Nourishing your mind, body and spirit in unexpected ways
• Growing professionally
• Opportunities for new jobs, new clients or creating your own business
• Going places you’ve never seen before
• Trying food you’ve never tasted before
• Being more productive and creative
• Learning how to deal with fear and uncertainty

If you’re OK with that, feel free to stop reading. But if you wonder what else is out there, if you’re tired of the same-old, same-old and hanker for a little more excitement, then I’ve got some suggestions for you on how to get out of your comfort zone.

How to make changes: Start small

Start with the easy, low-risk changes first, then move on to the biggies.

• Do something different. If you wash with your right hand, do it with your left instead. Take a different route to work. If the first thing you do in the morning is make a cup of coffee or tea and then take a shower, do the shower first. Order something different at a restaurant. And if doesn’t work out the way you would have hoped, that’s OK, too. You’re still good. You’re learning and growing. You’re exercising new muscles; that’s bound to take some getting used to.
• Think about what you’re doing. One of the biggest reasons why we’re in a rut is because we create routines and then forget about why we started them. We never wonder if they’ve outlived their usefulness or need to change. Because we’ve always done it that way, right? So much easier to keep on truckin’. I tell members of my Time Tips Pro Facebook group that routines are great when it comes to making the most effective use of your time, but if your routines prevent you from experiencing your life, it’s time to rethink what you’re doing – and why.
• Just go for it. If you’re one of those “analysis paralysis” types, who has to know all the pros and cons until the opportunity has long passed – and just coincidentally, taking away the need to have to make an actual decision – it’s time to start listening to your intuition. And for those who believe intuition is a bunch of horse pucky, realize that it is a shortcut to all your experience and knowledge. Just go for it.
• Make it a habit. Commit to doing something new and different every week. Put it into your schedule.
• Build stretch into your standards. If you never hear “no,” you’re not asking for enough. Same thing goes for your goals. If you don’t hit the occasional wall or miss what you’re going for, you’re not challenging yourself enough. If you’re doing what you’ve always done, it’s time to look at ramping up your game.
• Look at your lifestyle. If you have health goals, you’re not going to get there gobbling chips and dip and spending 12 hours at your computer. If you want to have relationships with people in real time, you’ve got to get out of the house. Don’t expect rewards for sitting on your butt and “wishing” and “hoping” that all good things will come your way. It requires work. Get started.
• Look at the people in your life. Sometimes we get stuck in our comfort zone because we’re still associating with people who are also stuck in their own ruts. Sometimes these people are toxic and negative; we need to drop them from our lives or, at the very least, limit our exposure to them.
• Make the effort to meet new people. If you’re looking for new clients, check out business associations, like chambers of commerce. Most will welcome you as guest at their meetings and events. If you’re looking for new friends, look for groups that share your interests and join.
• Be honest with yourself. Recognize what you’re avoiding and why. Then change. Yes, I know – easier said than done. No one promised us “easy.” Anything worth having is worth making an effort. So stop with the excuses and get going already!
• Know that things will go wrong. No one promised us perfection or success either. You’ll get it wrong. It will be hard. You’ll stumble and fall. You’ll reach the point where you want to just say, “F*** it” and quit. That’s life outside The Zone. You’ve only failed when you didn’t learn the lesson or quit before you had absolutely no other choice. Don’t focus on what can go wrong, but what can go right.
• Ignore the digs and slurs. Sometimes the people who love us best are the ones pulling us back down into that nice, comfy, boring rut. That’s because when you change, your relationships with others change, too. Some will be supportive and cheer you on the way to the new you; others won’t. Pfft. Let them go. And if you can’t, at least limit your exposure to them.

Embracing fear

• Face your fears. Your new activities don’t have to big and scary, like climbing the Matterhorn or jumping out of a perfectly good airplane (I still don’t get why people do that, but hey – maybe that’s just me). In fact, start with relatively small and manageable activities to build your tolerance and your success track record, which will boost your confidence to the point where you may want to try skydiving (common sense notwithstanding).

But even small steps can be scary. That’s OK. Fear is our lizard-brain protecting us from sabre-tooth tigers. We don’t have to worry about them anymore but our lizard-brain still hasn’t gotten the memo. So your heart pounds, your palms sweat, you mouth dries out. So what? None of these conditions will kill you. Embracing fear will make it less scary. Push through your fears and you’ll find your reward – outside your comfort zone.

Do you have any tips that have worked for you to get out of your comfort zone? I’d love to hear! Please add in the comments below.