Easily step outside your comfort zone? Here’s how to do it.

You’ve probably heard it before: all the exciting and magical things happen when you are able to step outside your comfort zone. That’s not always easy because in many cases “stepping outside your comfort zone” brings stress and excitement. So isn’t there something that can make that easier? In this blog, a few ideas.

And remember: the concept of “stepping outside your comfort zone” knows many urban legends. You can read these at the end of this blog.

Why is it so hard to step outside your comfort zone

You rationally understand that it is convenient to step outside your comfort zone. It often fails because you feel it is too big a step. That makes sense because it was outside your comfort zone. You probably use words like: ‘that’s not really who I am’ or ‘I think others don’t like this version of me’ or ‘I find it embarrassing because then it becomes so obvious that I’m not good at it’. Recognizable?

All these thoughts naturally sabotage all the efforts you want to put into making that next (exciting) step possible for you too. Change is by no means always easy and for many people quite a task.

Suppose you no longer have anxiety or tension.

Suppose you could just erase the tension or fear of stepping outside your comfort zone or at least make it less/smaller. How nice would that be? Research by Andy Molinsky (2017) suggests that professionals who have stepped outside their comfort zone share three common characteristics. I share them with you.

1. They have a determined conviction

A key characteristic is that successful people have a strong sense of their own purpose. They know exactly what their “engine” needs, what their talent is and what makes them run faster. This makes it easier for them to endure the potential stress and extra effort.

An important question to ask yourself in this process is “why am I doing this?” The better you know the answer to that with your heart the easier it becomes to take steps.

2. They choose baby steps

Can you make some kind of logical first small step in the right direction? 1 thing is for sure; it brings your goal closer. If you’re only concerned with your end goal then it’s logical to feel yourself paralyzed. It’s so much! A small change is literally in small things.

For example, think about using/choosing different words for your subject or step you are about to take. You can also do something with changing your body posture or decide on a different timing or location. Or also check out the tiny habits technique if you want some more inspiration.

It seems silly but little things like this work like crazy. It changes perspective and the situation. Successful professionals who have stepped outside their comfort zone use it frequently.

3. BEING ABLE TO FACE REALITY

Facing reality is the ability to articulate an honest and reasonable perspective on the challenge. It is an attempt to think well of yourself about the (new) situation you want to get to.

The aforementioned research shows that people, who can carefully read and explain their own emotions, are better able to step outside their comfort zone. The key here is: how well do you know yourself and also your favorite avoidance strategies?

So don’t fret too much or exaggerate as so many people do in stressful situations. Make it real and examine it. Then maybe the new situation won’t even be as far out of your comfort zone as you initially thought.

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In conclusion: 5 urban legends about your comfort zone

Molinsky’s research also reveals some nonsense thoughts about stepping out of your comfort zone. Say “urban legends. These are them:

Urban legend 1: All it takes to step outside your comfort zone is the leap of faith.
Reality: there are really very few people who spontaneously step out of their comfort zone. Most make good strategic consideration before taking the leap.

Urban legend 2: the exciting and magical things only happen outside your comfort zone.
Reality: nonsense, it can happen both inside and outside your comfort zone.

Urban legend 3: I am the only one who struggles with it like this.
Reality: almost everyone struggles with stepping outside their comfort zone. So you are part of a large group.

Urban legend 4: Stepping outside your comfort zone is just ‘biting the bullit’.
Reality: that’s certainly a point, but just as important is having a good strategy.

Urban legend 5: It’s just a matter of inspiration, everyone can easily step outside his/her comfort zone.
Reality: anyone can do it but you need a little more than inspiration. You also need effort, perseverance and a keen view of your challenges.

Good luck with your first steps and with these tips you can easily step outside your comfort zone and build a head start to shape your challenge in your professional development.