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Stepping outside of our comfort zones is essential to our learning and personal growth, but it’s much easier said than done.
For one, it usually doesn’t feel comfortable or familiar to try out something new, which is typically what keeps us from going beyond our zones of comfort.
While getting out of our comfort zones may not be the easiest move for us to take, it is arguably one of the most important steps we can ever take if we truly wish to grow.
If you’re having troubles getting out of your comfort zone, follow these tips to help make those first steps.
5 Tips to Help You Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
1. Stop backing away from what you fear. We typically, and often unknowingly, back away from what we fear, which automatically confines us to our comfort zones. Stop backing away from your fears, and push yourself a bit to explore them more. It won’t be the most comfortable experience, but it’s the only way you can grow.
2. Relinquish your need for control. Our perceived inability to step outside of our comfort zone is often a result of our need to feel in control. After all, when we step outside of what we know is familiar and okay, how are we expected to maintain any sense of control of the situation? This is because we have a false sense of control in our lives. In reality, we actually have very little control of the world around us. Relinquish your need for control. There is great freedom in that choice, including the freedom to step beyond what you know.
3. Shake things up a bit. A lot of us (myself included) tend to stick to routines that are familiar and offer a degree of comfort. For example, grabbing coffee at the same place every week, or working out at the same time every morning. Try shaking things up a bit in your life. Try a new coffee spot this week. Try out a new fitness class. By taking small, yet meaningful steps, it will be easier for you to step outside of your comfort zone more frequently.
4. Ask questions. So many people are afraid to ask questions because they fear they may look/feel silly, or because they don’t want to let on that they may not have all the answers. Trust me though, if you have questions, I guarantee other people will, too. Ask the questions you have and get the answers you need. Learn just by listening, and trying out other’s ideas.
5. Keep an open mind. It’s all too easy to shut down other’s ideas when we don’t want to be bothered with challenging what we know. While this is definitely the easier path to take, it’s also the path that will keep you from getting out of your comfort zone. When listening to others, try keeping an open mind, and don’t let yourself dismiss new concepts right away. Challenge what you know, and have a meaningful discussion about it.
Related: 5 Ways to Practice Open-Mindedness
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