Want to get out of your comfort zone? Well, it’s not always natural or easy to be creative and get out of the comfort areas as a business owner due to fear of risk-taking, desire for perfection, and clinging on to old ways of doing things. So how do you ignite your creative self and foster that in your team? It can be achieved.
Here's how entrepreneurs and business owners get out of their comfort zone.
#1- Choose one new thing each week
Pick one new thing every week. For example, you could try new food, a new sport, or a new activity. When you've done something once, it becomes easier to do it again. Make it a habit to do at least one new thing every week. Continue to do this until you feel comfortable trying more than one new thing weekly. Schedule it into your week and make it a priority. Start with small things that involve minimal risk. For example, you could ask someone out on a date, try a new food or visit a new place.
Thanks to Shawn Plummer, The Annuity Expert!
#2- Start something you are scared of
Your comfort zone wants you to stay in it, safe. So just pick something that you’ve been dreading, avoiding, or thinking you can’t conquer, and go do it. It need not be life-changing to start. It can be a little step, like mingling at a networking event when you’re shy. But that will lead to increased confidence (even if you doubt yourself a bit after). Maybe you’ll host the next time and then you could be presenting. Changing to confidence from your comfort zone is a journey, not a race, so just start.
Thanks to Temoer Terry, Mommy Care Kit!
#3- Adopt a growth mindset
Adopt a growth mindset instead of staying stagnant. When you’re in your comfort zone, you’re not making changes or even looking to do so. A growth mindset, where you blossom when faced with new challenges and learn from them, can confront your old thoughts. Pick a goal for yourself- maybe you’ll skydive to confront your fear of heights or try that sushi that scares you. Once you get out of your comfort zone just once, it will start a waterfall effect and you’ll be able to do more and grow.
Thanks to Raina Kurma, Spicewell!
#4- Take action and don’t let fear stop you
The way to move out of your comfort zone is to take action and don’t let fear stop you. Make a list of as many things you can that make you uncomfortable. Every day, deliberately choose one to confront. Are you uncomfortable making small talk? Talk to as many people as you can over the course of a day. Take a class or lesson to master a skill that intimidates you. Moving out of your comfort zone takes determination and deliberate action.
Thanks to Brook Hiddink, Audacia Home!
#5- Lean into all that makes you uncomfortable
I believe that the best way to exit your comfort zone is to lean into all that makes you uncomfortable by asking yourself what it is about that makes you uncomfortable and unraveling the deeper root of it all. Is it you or a thing or is it actually something that you just don't like doing. Overcoming the threshold of what makes you uncomfortable sets you up on the road to self-mastery – instead of your comfort zone being the master you. And sometimes it's far more profound than we might think it to be.
Thanks to Shamina Taylor, Shamina Taylor!
#6- Create a plan with specific steps
There are different ways to get out of your comfort zone and do things you have never done. One way is to create a plan with specific steps. The first step is to identify the fear and then brainstorm what you can do to overcome it. The next step is to come up with a plan that includes the steps on how you will overcome your fear. Finally, execute the plan. To get out of your comfort zone, identify your fear, brainstorm solutions, and create a plan for overcoming it.
Thanks to Aaron Rice, Stayyy!
#7- Thinking positively
Leaving your comfort zone requires letting go of fears and thinking positively. Whatever is outside our comfort zone is that way because we have a conviction and mental block that doing the specific action will harm us. However, this is often not the case. Overcoming your fears will help you try new things more easily. As you get accustomed to pushing your boundaries, you will find facing your fears less challenging. I recommend that you start small.
Thanks to Brandon Perton, The Old School Game Vault!
#8- Build time into my schedule for doing things I find challenging
The best practice I've found for breaking the cycle is to proactively build time into my schedule for doing things I know I'll find challenging, but make sure to attach quantifiable meaning to these sessions. For example, take an honest look at where you are in your career and then clearly define where you want to take it. Identify the reasons you're not there yet, take ownership of them and build a measurable plan that directly addresses these shortcomings, making sure to include constructive new behaviors.
Thanks to Dan Hanley, Octane Accountants!
#9- Do something new to break the routine
For me, it’s definitely doing something new to break the routine. If you tend to stay in your comfort zone for a while, you might feel safe and protected. It’s totally fine wanting to go the easy way but it holds you back! It prevents you from being open and receptive to opportunities that can help you take your career to the next level. At the beginning of my photography business, I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of going to networking events, but once I stepped into action, I found myself to be in the right place and met great people.
Thanks to Corinne Isasako, Corinne Isasako!
#10- Pushing your boundaries
I believe in pushing your boundaries and beliefs through creative learning strategies. By setting myself targets to develop new skills and sports I've expanded what I consider within my comfort zone enormously. To keep the momentum it's wise to start small, enrolling in a course to expand your creativity. With one course under your belt, keep things rolling by signing up for a new sport or planning a solo holiday.
Thanks to Albert Varkki, Von Baer!
#11- Work on something that will stretch you
If you want to grow as a person and an artist, it's important to get out of your comfort zone. The best way to do that is by being intentional about it—setting aside time every day or week (or whatever works for you) where you can work on something that will stretch you in some way. That could mean learning a new skill, reading something that's outside of your usual comfort zone, or even just trying a new recipe. The point is: to set yourself up for success by giving yourself some room to fail and make mistakes along the way!
Thanks to Thomas Newman, VIVA Financial Tuition!
#12- First acknowledge that you are in one
I believe that to push yourself beyond your comfort zone, you have to first acknowledge that you are in one. Your comfort zone is a safe place where you don't face any risks or take on new challenges. You have a sense of control and security. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is a great way to challenge yourself and experience a feeling of freedom and joy that you may never experience otherwise. I think the best way to push yourself outside of your comfort zone is to start small.
Thanks to Jamiee Russell, Wellyx!
#13- Make a plan
For me, the best way to get out of your comfort zone is to make a plan—and then follow it. Whenever I feel like I'm stuck in my comfort zone, I start by asking myself what's holding me back. Is it fear? Am I afraid of failing? Then, I set a goal for myself that will take me outside my comfort zone and make me feel uncomfortable. For example, if you're afraid of public speaking, maybe your goal is to give a speech in front of your coworkers or classmates.
Thanks to Israel Gaudette, IG Marketing Inc.!
#14- Fake it till you make it
I'd say confidence plays a crucial role in getting out of your comfort zone; in its absence, any individual who craves growth is bound to fail. The key to this is to fake your confidence until you make it out to a newly established tunnel, somewhere more of a paradise. Make sure that as you meet new people, you bond with them so that in turn, your current relationships tighten, and they'll be able to tug you forward to reach better doors for optimized results.
Thanks to Christine Brownstein, Palaleather UK!
#15- Identify what actually is your comfort zone
You are doing yourself a lot of injustice by staying in one place, in your comfort zone for a long time. The best way to get out of your comfort zone is to identify what actually is it. List down things that are in the comfort zone and things that are out of it. Identify challenging tasks that will help you grow. Start working on your goals every day and conquer your fears. Take support from people and do things that motivate you. Begin by
smaller tasks and then level up every day.
Thanks to Raven Cobb, Clearstep!
#16- Master new skills
Mastering new skills is a way of getting out of your comfort zone. As you remain committed to diversifying your professional skill set, you will soon realize how your career or business can expand into new markets and industries. I, for instance, have gone from being a designer to a marketer in the corporate world. As time passed, I realized my potential to succeed as a full-time digital marketing entrepreneur.
Thanks to Ryan Stewart, Webris!
#17- Do more fieldwork
Try to do more and more fieldwork to get out of your comfort zone. Fieldwork is comparatively difficult and requires more energy than passive work. People often sit in their offices making it their comfort zone, to step out of it, they should seek innovation, ideas, or impact of their products or services out in the society to track possible changes and step out of their nest. It is extremely important if you want to build your future brighter.
Thanks to Jeremy James, Blue Water Climate Control!
#18- Engage in physical activities
When you are following the same boring routine, you do not get time to get your body physically active, and that is also the reason why you do not have the energy for going out with your friends after work. You need to change your routine if you wish to become successful in life. When you are physically active, it improves your focus and productivity at work, so that is also better for your business. Wake up early and exercise. This will also help your mind to relax and stay positive all day.
Thanks to Megan Mbengue, Trusted Canna Nurse!
#19- Try new things
Getting out of your comfort zone includes trying new things, meeting new people, and pushing yourself to do things that are outside of your normal routine. Sometimes it helps to have a friend or family member who is willing to try new things with you so you can support each other. Other times, it may be helpful to find a group or class that is already doing something you're interested in so you can ease into it gradually and feel motivated.
Thanks to Lokesh Pant, Bargain air ticket!
#20- Put yourself in a situation where you have no other choice
The best way to get out of your comfort zone is to put yourself in a situation where you have no other choice. For example, if you're scared of public speaking, go and speak at an event. If you're afraid of heights, go up on a roof and watch the sunset. If you're afraid of water, jump into the pool at the beach. If you're scared of failure, fail miserably at something that matters to you. You'll learn more about yourself at that moment than you ever could in your comfort zone.
Thanks to Güney Özberk, Enklare!
#21- Just throw yourself out there
The greatest enemy of regress is staying in one's own comfort zone; thus, an individual must learn that throwing himself out of his comfort zone is the best way to achieve eternal growth. Needless to say, you won't grow up in an environment wherein you already outgrew everyone. Aim to expand your networks and horizons by engaging with people whom you think can add value to who you are as a servant of not just yourself, but also others.
Thanks to Danny Trichter, Accessibility Checker!
#22- Reverse motivation
I sincerely believe that people who stay in their comfort zone just suffer from a lack of motivation. It’s not enough to move just for the movement itself, as you need to understand why changes are necessary when basically everything is fine. I realized that reverse motivation often works for me: not going towards a dream but running from the worst scenario I could imagine! If a person is not motivated by a perfectly healthy body image, maybe a picture of weak muscles and frequent hospital visits would make him start training.
Thanks to Michael Chepurnyak, Ein-des-ein!
#23- Change my surroundings
This is why I've long been an advocate of flexible and remote work: offices can be stifling. Going to the same building every day and eating the same lunch can be an excellent routine, especially when you are head-down-solving a problem. But when you get stuck, it's often that same sense of predictability keeping you from the solution. You don't need to take an expensive vacation-my best ideas have materialized on a ten-minute drive around the block, or eating lunch at my favorite diner.
Thanks to Rob Reeves, Redfish Technology!
#24- Leading with a yes
Automatically leading with “yes” is a really great way for you to try and get out of your comfort zone. For myself, I know that I automatically want to say no to outside commitments or am less likely to take risks at work because I have always liked to play it safe. However, you tend to not grow as much as a person or leader when you don’t force yourself to do the unexpected more often than not. Becoming a “yes” person helps you to embrace new things, and the more you say yes to things, the easier it gets
Thanks to Glenn Sands, Pixa Prints!
#25- Holding yourself accountable
Stepping outside your comfort zone can be accomplished by holding yourself accountable. Tell your spouse, a business buddy, or your friends and family about your strategy. This is essential to achieving your goals, and they'll be the ones to encourage you whenever you feel like you're slipping. Many of us play small to be safe as a tactic of self-preservation against future failure. We sit in our familiar surroundings and watch the hours pass. Only through discomfort may one grow.
Thanks to Maria Ivanova, Mastermaid!
#26- Follow someone else
A good way to get out of your comfort zone is to follow someone else’s leadership or idea in order to explore other options, opportunities, experiences, and avenues. It can be a one-off, a regular thing, and it will force you to leave your comfort zone and venture into new things that you otherwise wouldn’t. The key is to take action, even a tiny step, regardless of your anxiety or stress. Nothing is worse than being branded as boring or a stick in the mud by your colleagues, but I try to have fun with it!
Thanks to Kirsten McKinley, Weddings & Brides!
#27- Modify small habits
Leaving the comfort zone does not consist of a change of day, but of changing small everyday things. Try to find new ways of working, new flavors, meet new people, and explore new situations. Lose your fears and overcome them. Do you think something is your weakness? Make it your forte. Face your fears and mistakes. Adapting positively to change, to adverse situations, and to everything that scares us is perfect for developing constructive and self-critical thinking.
Thanks to Jessica Luna, Net Influencer!
#28- Taking risks
I've learned that you have to just go for it. Being a successful entrepreneur involves taking risks and leaving any comfort zone you've built up for yourself. While you may fail, it is how you learn from that failure, overcome it and grow. Don't ever be afraid to leave your comfort zone as you will see the more risks you take the more successful you will become. I no longer have social anxiety and I enjoy getting out and speaking to other marketers about current trends, challenges, and more.
Thanks to David Batchelor, DialMyCalls!
#29- List everything
Make a list of your fears. from taking up a new activity to making a date. Start with the one that isn't too frightening. Change your routine by taking a different path to work or trying a new lunch to break your thought habits. Conversation with strangers will disrupt your routines, particularly if you are timid. You'll meet new individuals and develop genuine self-confidence. Scream no: Refuse to accede to other people's demands or goals.
Thanks to Sai Blackbyrn, CoachFoundation!
#30- Participate in new experiences
Almost all the things you need to do to achieve your goals involve learning new abilities, routines, facts, and experiences. You must *take steps* you've never taken before to get from where you are to where you want to be. The only way to grow is to experience discomfort, so you must be prepared to do so. You have to fall in love with the journey it takes you on if you want to truly ascend, surpass your former self, and completely change your life. You are not exploring if you are not moving.
Thanks to Jason Vishnefske, Santa Barbara Chocolate Company!