One Step Closer…to Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

ONE IDEA FOR YOU TO THINK ABOUT

When I started this newsletter, many people suggested I create an Instagram account too. For months, I completely rejected the idea. 'I don’t even know what to call it. What if I'm misunderstood? It’s too vulnerable.'

But, after realizing that my work actually impacts people, and not caring if I'm misunderstood, I gathered the courage to start my coaching account (you can follow me @coachwithsheena 😊). I went from 'absolutely not' to 'let’s try it.' And let me tell you, I'm having so much fun in this entirely new area of marketing for me! I've got a burst of creativity that's seeping into other parts of my life.

I'm not alone - we've all conquered something challenging (for example, learning to talk). Today, I want to remind you that you can do uncomfortable things.

Here are 6 tips for stepping out of your comfort zone:

1. Identify your comfort zone: Start by recognizing the areas where you tend to stay within your comfort zone (e.g. tasks, responsibilities, or interactions that feel safe and familiar).
2. Start small: Prove to yourself that you can do it. Gradually increase the level of challenge as you become more comfortable with discomfort. You can start by speaking up in one meeting this week.
3. Surround yourself with people who are not afraid to do hard things: Not everybody in your life needs to be a risk-taker, but find those people who inspire you to expand your limits. Watch them, learn from them. What are they doing differently?
4. When something uncomfortable happens, chill: Take a deep breath. It's OK. I used to hate walking into a big room with people I didn't know. It was so uncomfortable for me. I made it a habit to breathe in for 4 seconds, and out for 4 seconds every time I enter a big event. It helps, I promise. 
5. Measure (and celebrate) your small improvements: Ask yourself "How am I better at this now than I was last week?" 
6. Become so ok with failure: Embrace failure—it's a sign you're pushing boundaries and trying new things. It's not the failure we fear, but others' opinions. The truth is, people don't care as much as we think. Try, fail, pivot—this is how you will experience the most amazing growth in life.

ONE QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF

What used to challenge you before that now is not challenging you in the same way? 

See, you already conquered things. And you can do it again.

ONE EXERCISE FOR YOU TO TRY THIS WEEK

Commit to doing one small thing to get out of your comfort zone this week (speak up in a meeting, go to a party by yourself, have that conversation you were putting off). 

After taking the action, reflect on how it made you feel. Did your confidence increase? How are you going to use this motivation to take on an even bigger challenge?

Click here to download the printable worksheet for this post.

Becoming comfortable with discomfort and stepping out of your comfort zone builds your confidence. These skills are essential for growth. Once you realize this, the world is your oyster.

Until next time,

Sheena