Moving Outside Your Comfort Zone

When you are starting something new, you are hit with a variety of emotions and questions. It is natural to want to stick to the things that you already know, your “safe” zone. While this may be comfortable, there comes a time when we have to step out of our comfy zone and take action despite the fear. In order to achieve your goals (career or personal), you will have to make a decision and engage in actionable steps to get to where you want to go.

In pursuing my goals, I have been stretched, experienced doubt, frustration, fear, and pushed outside my comfort zone on numerous occasions. Thoughts of giving up crossed my mind more times than I can count, but the alternative of allowing fear to keep me stuck is a price I am not willing to pay. Discomfort is by no means fun (is it really supposed to be?) and seems even worse when you are going through it, but, it is a sign of growth. From my experience, I offer the following suggestions:

Watch your attitude and the people you spend time with. A positive mindset goes a long way. Your thoughts will affect your behaviors, try to keep things in perspective. Stay away from people who generally live in the land of negativity - you want to pass through, not take up residence. Surround yourself with supportive people who will be honest with you.

Don’t discount your abilities. Believe that you have what it takes to move you forward. If you don’t believe that you can, who will?

Write down your “whys” and keep them close. Use this to help you stay focused and on track.

Do something. Try to do something every day, setbacks will occur, but don’t allow them to stop you from taking action, no matter how small.