Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone + Tips

Stepping out of your comfort zone can be difficult because of fear or lack of experience. But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t push forward and try. It took me years to start my blog because I was so afraid, afraid of failure, afraid of rejection, just afraid. It has been 4 months since starting my blog, and I am so glad I pushed myself to launch, and since then I have pushed myself to go to events and out on photo shoots with other bloggers. Staying in your comfort zone hinders both personal and professional growth, and I refuse to settle there anymore.

As most of you know, your comfort zone is an area in your life that is familiar and safe to you. This area can be in relationships, your job/career, personal goals, habits, etc. It could even be staying in a state/country instead of moving to a place/places that you can’t stop thinking about. Staying in this comfort because you know what to expect. You feel safe, it feels like a normal place to be in, but it brings you no joy, no thrill, you may be happy or complacent, but not excited. Staying in this comfort or allowing yourself to be complacent keeps you from experiencing the world, opportunities, new relationships, and your growth.

Here are some tips that help me push myself past common boundaries:

1. Believe & Have Faith – Mindset is everything. Believe in yourself, & have faith in yourself. Believing in yourself limits doubt, and when you have little to no doubt you can see your power.
2. Like Nike Says “Just Do It!” – This is something I still struggle with but that’s ok. I find that with my anxiety, I will agree to something or have so many amazing ideas for content and then I become so overwhelmed that I begin to avoid the process/situation and make excuses to avoid even trying. But what I have found is that when I force myself to just accept the task/challenge, it’s never as bad as my mind lead me to believe. I would much rather have anxiety for a few minutes because I forced myself to try something new, go to an event, publish a blog post, go on a photo shoot, etc; than to spend wasted time overthinking, not accomplishing anything or experiencing something new. Would of, could of, should of anxiety feels so much worse because it turns into this vicious cycle of talking nasty to yourself.
3. Make It A Daily Practice/Habit – A lot of people thrive on routine, and most of us could really benefit from a routine 😂. So why not make it a daily practice/habit to step out of your comfort zone at least once a day? A daily practice just like reading a devotional or meditation/yoga, these daily practices expand knowledge & personal boundaries. Allows you to be open regardless of how scary it is.
4. Be Open/Failure Is Okay – Remember to keep your options open & that it’s okay if things don’t go exactly to plan. This is an area that I have to practice every single day. Failing should not be the end, get back up and try it again. Success cannot be reached or valued without failure. Be open that things will have to change. Sometimes the best life lessons or additions to your life come when you least expect it or when you were actually trying for a different result.
5. Reach Out – You don’t have to be on this journey alone. There is always at least one person you can turn too, even if you don’t know them personally. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help. When you let another person in on your journey, it can make it easier to leave your comfort zone.

Start NOW. Start where you are. Start with Fear. Start with Pain. Start with Doubt. Start with Hands Shaking. Start with Voice Trembling but START. Start & Don’t STOP. Start where you are, with what you have. Just… START.

Whatever goal or change you want to make, start now, even if you are afraid. It could be as simple as making it to the gym once a week or quitting your job to go to another one or working for yourself. What comfort zone are you stepping out of?