Business Talk // How to step out of your comfort zone

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone and tried something new? Moving out of your comfort zone feels almost like a must nowadays, or so you think when you see all the Pinterest quotes about it. At first, I was annoyed by all these quotes, because I thought that half of the people who share these quotes have never actually stepped out of their comfort zone. But then I realized that the term “comfort zone” means something totally different to all of us.

Definition of Comfort Zone

The official definition of comfort zones states “a place or situation where one feels safe or at ease and without stress“. However this place or situation can look different to all of us and stepping out of someone’s comfort zone doesn’t necessarily mean the same to each one of us.

For one, it means moving away from their hometown, the other moves to another country; one gives a TED Talk, for the other it means speaking up at the next team meeting; one quits a job, the other asks for a raise; one starts walking 5’000 steps a day, another one prepares for a marathon. Comfort zones are as individual as we are. That’s why it’s important not to judge the moves of others.

But we all have one thing in common: Stepping out of our comfort zone often makes us happier, more energetic and gives us the feeling of accomplishment and productiveness. Challenging ourselves a little is most often connected to a positive feeling and gives us all a sense of growth.

Copyright: Pinterest account Great Hollar

Some ideas on how to get out of your comfort zone

1. Start small and tell yourself that you are fearless: Repeat the mantra and envision yourself successfully doing or achieving what you fear.

2. Change your daily routine: It’s the minor changes that lead to the major changes, never forget that. Change your morning routine, your commute, eating habits, leisure activities… you name it.

3. Learn something new: Sign up for a language course, a sports class or a DIY class.

4. Volunteer for your neighbourhood, your city or an organization that is dear to your heart.

5. Make small steps towards a dream of yours: Did you always want to own a car or travel the world? While talking about it, you might as well start saving for it. $10 a week will make a great start!

6. Revisit your greatest accomplishments: I love this recommendation that I found on Forbes. “Accomplishments are often made because of courage. Stepping forward in faith and looking fear in the eye isn’t easy, but it helps us realize what we are truly made of.”

7. And last but not least – make it a habit to start something new. My favourite advice! “Go easy on yourself and start small. Go to a new restaurant. Invite someone you’ve just met for coffee. Go to a networking event. Try something new every, say, Wednesday. Make it a routine. You will be shocked by how quickly change seems much less intimidating.” – Dr. Rachel MK Headley, Rose Group, Intl

Copyright: Pinterest account Happy Healthy Impactful

When did I step out of my comfort zone the last time?

So, I was thinking when I stepped out of my comfort zone for the last time. I always hide behind the fact that I moved abroad two weeks after finishing my masters degree and moved in with my boyfriend. Massive steps out of my comfort zone. But it has been 4.5 years, time to take a move again. 🙂 Trying a new restaurants is something I do regularly and I have attended plenty of networking events myself. So I don’t really consider that stepping out of my comfort zone (that’s just for me), but I recently joined the organization “Young Women in Business Vancouver” as the Diversity & Inclusion Facilitator, which was a huge step out of my comfort zone.

Was buying a car or getting a dog a step out of my comfort zone? I was excited and scared to death by both decisions (one included a good amount of money and one a major commitment), but were they really steps out of my comfort zone? I’m not sure and I’m challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone this year once again, hopefully more than ones.

My challenge: Stepping out of my comfort zone at least once this year. Are you in?

Should we start an accountability group for anyone who wants to take a chance on something new this year? Big steps and small steps, we cheer each other on. If you are interested in joining, send me a message here or on my Instagram or Facebook account. Also please feel free to share the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone.