Expand Your Comfort Zone by Adrean Turner
Comfort zones can become cages.
I was working on a client project that was a gateway to other awesome opportunities. And quite frankly, I was doing something I’d never done before. Naturally, negative thoughts started to crowd my mind. To fight back, I remembered the last time I experienced something like this. I told myself, “This isn’t your first challenge, and it won’t be the last. You’ve been down this road before, and you always pull through.” And true to form, the right people showed up. I found the proper tools. I learned along the way. Things literally fell into place.
When reaching for greater goals and taking on new challenges remember:
SUCCESS BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Numerous studies http://www.psychologyinspain.com/content/full/2005/full.asp?id=9010 confirm that there are three primary emotions we experience when dealing with change: cynicism, fear, and acceptance. To expand beyond your comfort zone, you have to choose between status quo and growth. Take action and see positive changes in your life and career with these tips. Start small! Big changes are scary.
MAKE A SMALL CHANGE AND STRETCH A LITTLE FARTHER EACH WEEK
If you’re afraid of heights, look out a second story window. The following week, try the third floor. Several small changes are as effective as a single, larger one. If attending networking events gives you hives, invite one person you’d like to develop a relationship with to join you in a virtual meeting. Perhaps you want to be considered for a promotion, but you are afraid to ask your manager. Start by gathering a list of your accomplishments and speaking to a mentor or coach for advice. You’ll gain confidence one step at a time.
Comfort zones can be cages that limit life experiences. Consider shaking things up a bit by watching and listening to something new. Read a different type of book than you normally would read. Listen to a new type of music. Have you ever had Vietnamese, Korean, or vegan food? Try new foods. If it’s uncomfortable, that’s precisely the point. Learn to deal with a little discomfort.
Get beyond your comfort zone by meditating each evening for a month. Avoid procrastination for a week. Take on a new activity. Have you ever golfed, hiked, or salsa danced? Take a coding class. Recently, I learned to fly drones. It’s been so much fun and I’ve met incredible people who are drone pilots. If you don’t try anything new, you’ll never know what you’ll learn or love.
BUST OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND EXPERIENCE LIFE FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE
A little bravery can expand your opportunities and enlighten your journey. Decide right now on one thing you’ll do to expand your zone, and do it. Remember, you are only one decision away from a completely different life.
Adrean Turner is an author, certified career coach, speaker, professional development trainer, and business consultant. She leverages 23 years of experience in management, marketing, operations, teaching, and training to partner with individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations to achieve their maximum potential. For more information and inspiration from Adrean, read her book F.I.T. for Success: Fearless, Inspired, Transformed for Success. You can follow Adrean on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.