15 ways to come out of your comfort zone.

 '' Do something uncomfortable today. By stepping out of your box you don't have to settle for what you are- you get to create who you want to become''.- Haward Wljfein.

What is coming out of your comfort zone?

It's doing something you are not comfortable with. The activities involved may be asking people for help, trying something adventurous, or living on the edge. Anything you fear to do.

You hesitate because either you are scared of failure or too lazy to try new things. It would be a great achievement if you could push yourself to do something unattainable and succeed in that task. This is what we call coming out of your comfort zone.

By coming out of your usual self and doing things you find tough, you become more productive and confident and will accept more challenges fearlessly.

Of course, it may create anxiety within you. Measured anxiety will bring out your best but too much worry is not advisable.

Trying new things is not easy but you must be ready to adapt them to lead an interesting life. The comfort zone may become your stagnation zone. It will stunt your growth. You will achieve your best when you come out of your comfort zone.

Even if you have achieved your goals and are comfortable with your job, and your paycheck, you are satisfied with what you have, you must keep on growing personally and professionally.

It's never easy to venture into new and unknown things but what is the point in living monotonous life and getting bored?

Accomplishing unachievable is the highest level of confidence. If you don't find new avenues, you may miss out on professional opportunities, life experiences, and personal growth.

''Real change is difficult at the beginning, but gorgeous at the end. Change begins at the moment you get the courage and step outside your comfort zone; Change begins at the end of your comfort zone''.- Roy T. Bennett.

Is it possible to come out of your comfort zone and achieve success? A big YES. Let's see some of the tips you can apply to come out of your comfort zone.

1. Face your Fear-  

In most cases (90%) fear is the reason you do not try anything new or hesitate to try.  My experience tells me that if you have decided to do something, do it without a second thought.  Even if it's out of your comfort zone.

Today I am a full-time blogger. I started my blogging journey with a lot of apprehensions. I started it on 7 March 2019. The ideas and thoughts actually started in 2015.

The fear of so many challenges came my way. ' will I be a success'', ''will I accomplish it', 'what will people think' ( the biggest stumbling block), 'Is it right to start at this age'', - you can see so many unwanted thoughts which stopped me.

The seed was sawn in 2015 but because of my wavering mind and fear of uncertainty, I eventually started in 2019. Of course, regret is there but better late than never.

Today I am very happy with my decision and in my own small way able to help people and bring some positive changes in their lives.

''If fear is cultivated it will become stronger, If faith is cultivated it will achieve mastery''.- John Paul Jones. 

I have learned and decided to have this mindset:'' Am I scared to do this? Then I have to do this.'' The fear will be always there but I have faith in myself and I also believe in my ability to work hard.

2. Never Give Up- ''Winners never quit and Quitters never win''.- Vince Lombardi.

                                                     " THE COWARDS NEVER START

                                                      THE WEAK NEVER FINISH

                                                     THE WINNERS NEVER QUIT".

When I decided to start my blog, I knew nothing about blogging. On top of that, I am not a tech person. In the beginning, it was very difficult to understand the terms used technically. However, I was determined to learn the ropes of blogging.

The first thing I did was to shut my ears. Some too many people tried to discourage me. Their opinion was that you are comfortable being a teacher, so why leave it. ( Of course, some family members gave me solid support. I take this opportunity to thank them from the bottom of my heart).

I started learning everything about blogging. A to Z. There are so many free courses on blogging from famous bloggers like Harsh Agarwal, Deepak Kanakraju and Neil Patel. I enrolled in those courses and with a determined willpower started my blog.

I am still learning but I am here to stay as a blogger. Not even for a moment, I was intimidated by the process. I decided that come what may I would not quit.

Today I am very happy that I began this amazing journey. I am on my way up. Still, many don't support me, but for me, those people are more important and encourage me with every new post of mine.

Never thinking of quitting, gives you a new zeal to continue with your dreams and forces you to come out of your comfort zone. Quitting is very easy. Remember ' you are not a failure until you begin to blame the situations and other people'.

Obstacles, problems, difficulties, stumbling blocks- all these will be there but you have to show your fighting spirit. Develop a mindset of a winner.

Nobody is a success at the first attempt. You have to cultivate a habit of being patient, resilient, and a never-say-die attitude.

3. Take Risks-

It's easier and more comfortable to sit down in your comfort zone and not take any risks. But then this is what distinguishes the doers from dreamers.

Taking risks comes from an urge, a burning desire to keep pushing out of our laziness. Some people have a fire and are ignited to take the risk.

By taking risks you find seemingly rare opportunities which you may not find if you do not come out of your comfort zone. Taking risks shows your confidence and helps you to stand out among your peers.

''The biggest risk is not taking any risk... in a world that changes really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risk''.- Mark Zuckerberg.

Taking a risk doesn't mean you behave recklessly. Before taking any kind of risk, personally or professionally, you must do your homework, plan out each strategy and then take a chance. Actually, risk-taking helps you overcome your fear of failure.

4. Set Goals-

Goal setting takes you to focus on your plans. It gives you a direction. Goal setting is meticulous planning. It's a process where you start careful consideration of what you want to achieve.

Goals should keep on motivating you. Set achievable goals. You need a tremendous sense of commitment to accomplish them.

'' If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes''.- Andrew Carnegie.

The goals you are setting should be well-defined, clear and smart. Everyone is capable of improving themselves. For that, you have to come out of your comfort zone. Start with small goals and then continue moving upwards.

5. Be Resilient.

When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure".- Peter Marshall

Resilience means to bounce back with renewed energy from failures and setbacks. People with resilience do not dwell on the past or do not wallow in self-pity.

They find out reasons for the failures, then acknowledge the situations, learn from their mistakes and move on with new zeal and a positive attitude.

''Strong people alone know how to organize their sufferings to bear only the most necessary pain''.- Emil Dorian.

A resilient mindset is necessary because you view adversity, failure, and setbacks as a lesson and experience and learn from them.

According to the psychologist, Susan Kobasa, there are three factors that resilient people should take note of are, challenge, commitment, and control.

6. Keep Learning New Things-

Learning new things or skills should continue throughout life. Age no bar. It's gaining knowledge rather than gathering degrees. It's about gaining experience. Today it is the easiest thing to learn many new things.

By trying to learn new things, you are preparing yourself to be the fittest in the age, where competition in every field is cut-throat, challenging, and tough.

''Change can be frightening, and the temptation is often to resist it, but change almost always provides opportunities- to learn new things, to rethink tired processes, and to improve the way we work''.- Klaus  Schwab.

For continuous improvement and to develop competency, learning is essential. Trying to know new things keeps you positive, you get new ideas, and your curiosity level is increased. It boosts your self-confidence and self-esteem.

You will have a sense of accomplishment and will be proud of yourself. It's proved that people who continue to learn something new, are less likely to develop dementia.

7. Believe in Yourself- 

You should inculcate an unshakable faith in yourself and in your abilities. Keep trying to be bold, courageous, brave and outgoing to build self-confidence.

Have a high sense of values and aspirations. Never have a self-doubting and self-sabotaging image in your mind. Your values in life determine your attitude.

Understand that no one is perfect.  It's completely fine to try and fail, absolutely alright that people judge you by their opinions.

'' Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine''. Roy T. Bennett.

A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking because her trust is not in the branch but in its wings. Always believe in yourself. This will create and open up endless opportunities in your life.

Believe you can do it, visualize it and then act. By believing in your abilities you will become more positive, you will have high self-esteem and you try mindfulness each day.

8. Be Positive- 

Jo Eckler, PsyD, a therapist in Austin, Texas, and author of 'I can't fix you- because you're not broken' says, ''The most helpful definition of being positive is having hope and confidence in one's ability to handle what's tough, along with remembering that nothing is all negative all the time''.  ( source- Locke Hughes's blog).

There are many ways you can cultivate positivity- Think of the beautiful moments of the whole day, enjoyable time with your family and friends, helping someone who needed you, making firm decisions, and the good virtues you possess like kindness, empathy, and compassion.

Adopting the right attitude can convert your negativities into a positive attitude. Always keep looking up... that is the secret of a happy life. Once you choose hope, anything is possible.

''Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you''.- Mary Lou Retton.

9. Strive for Improvement- 

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better". -Maya Angelou.

You have to constantly and continuously try to improve yourself. It's a never-ending journey.

Continuous improvement can enhance your personal as well as professional growth. You can live life to the fullest capacity by learning, nurturing, blooming, growing and thriving.

Continuous improvement is about achieving big goals and starting with small, easy steps. You need not try to improve for others but strive to become better than the person you were yesterday. You are your biggest competitor.

''I was taught to strive not because there were any guarantees of success but because the act of striving is in itself the only way to keep faith with life''.- Madeleine Albright.

10. Enjoy What You do and do What You Enjoy- 

Today's generation's motto is 'follow your passion', 'live your dreams', and 'do what you love'- These are the mantras that decide that you must either love your job or quit it and find another one. ( though every time it's not possible).

With determination, passion to succeed, and striving for ultimate happiness you have to find ways to love your job. What will keep you going are the moments when you give your 100% and see excellent results.

A beautiful line- ''All work is boring, monotonous and difficult to like until you sanctify your work in the fire of sacredness.''

11. Pick Activities That Challenge You 

Certain things scare you or you are afraid even to try them out. Try to start these activities.

Trying to do something which you may be sure of not succeeding, is necessary to banish your fear and get more confidence. Most importantly avoid running away from doing these tasks.

You have to come out of your comfort zone to take up these challenges and complete them successfully. This will be a tremendous morale booster and the highest level of confidence.

'' Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes them meaningful''- Anonymous.

Begin to treat failure as a teacher and learn the lessons that will prepare you for your next success.

12. Embrace the Unknown- 

"Everyone should have the experience of getting lost in life at least once. Part of growing up is learning how to tolerate uncertainty, and when the time is right, to find or create a new path for yourself". -Cole Todd

Embracing the unknown and making situations positive will make you a very happy person. Every hardship you go through teaches you a lesson and you gain experience.

Be prepared for the worst but always keep the hope for the best. Embracing positive and negative, right or wrong, good or bad, will open vast opportunities that will be gratifying experiences.

Actually, the modern age has given a blessing in the form of the internet. You have huge sources of information at just tapping on the keyboard.

Tap the source, learn, study and you will become familiar with the unknown, embrace it. Embracing the unknown may be the worst, the best, and beyond. You have to come out of your comfort zone and should have the courage to go beyond the boundary.

''How can you know what you're capable of if you don't embrace the unknown?''-Esmeralda Santiago.

13. Invest in Yourself-

"The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself. The more you learn, the more you earn". -Warren Buffett.

It's aptly said that investing in yourself is one of the best returns on investment. You can enhance your personality by investing time, money, and skills and learning new things and this is one kind of investment in yourself.

By investing in yourself you develop yourself personally and professionally, find out your creativity, and use your talent to the fullest.

You must love yourself first before you can expect others to love you. Taking care of yourself is necessary to gain a better self-image. Take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

''There is no more profitable investment than investing in yourself. It is the best investment you can make; you can never go wrong with it. It is the true way to improve yourself to be the best version of you and lets you be able to best serve those around you''.- Roy T. Bennett.

14. Say Yes More Often-  

I don't mean saying yes more often is, to become a people pleaser or become a yesman. That will drain your energy.

Here 'Yes' is for you. New ideas, new plans, new opportunities, new strategies, new experiences- say yes to all these. 

By saying yes to learning anything new, you will create more opportunities and will have more chances to reach greater heights in your personal and professional life.

''If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes- then learn how to do it later!- Richard Branson.

15. Challenge Yourself- 

This is one of the reasons to come out of your comfort zone. The challenge could be personal or professional, physical, mental and spiritual.

By challenging yourself, you will gain awareness, knowledge, and new skills. You will grow as an individual.

You become strong physically and mentally. Be determined, cultivate extraordinary willpower, gain confidence, and face the challenges.

''Magic means taking yourself to the next level of life... make sure you do this magic every day''.- Ney Denkweise.

We don't grow when things are easy. We grow when we face challenges.

Conclusion

A comfort zone may give you a beautiful place but it also gives you laziness, anxiety, and fear. If you want to grow and improve your personality, then you have to come out of your comfort zone which will help you to achieve your dreams and achieve your goals faster.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for your personal growth. It challenges you, broadens your horizons, and fosters resilience. While it may feel uncomfortable, embracing the unknown can lead to rewarding experiences and new opportunities. 

Overcoming fear and discomfort is the key to unlocking your true potential.

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