You’re here because you’re wondering how to get out of your comfort zone. The truth is that human beings like to do things that make them feel good. While on the other hand, the thought of even doing something uncomfortable can feel, well, pretty unpleasant.
That fact of the matter is that by choosing not to step out of your comfort zone, you may be inadvertently missing out on various opportunities and potentially inhibiting yourself from the growth you may need to accomplish your goals and dreams.
Stepping out of your comfort zone and into an area that you’re not familiar with can be quite the challenge. However, it doesn’t have to be. This week at the Success Bug, we’re going to discuss different ways and methods of making that leap out of your comfort zone just a bit easier.
1. Taking The First Step
Rosa Parks once said, “To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail, when we fail to try.”
When you first begin to step out of your comfort zone, the first step is mentally deciding that aspects of your life require change. Someone like Rosa Parks was able to bring about massive change during the Civil Rights movement by deciding that change was needed, and then, taking the first step toward that change. Some ways to make taking the first step easier are:
- Setting fixed short term and long term goals: Think about what you want to accomplish and then decide the best course of action to achieve your goals. An important tip is to be as specific and concise as possible.
- Avoid making excuses: Excuses hold you back from accomplishing your goals. Remember, making changes in your life is difficult but attainable as long as you hold yourself accountable.
- Remember your “why”: Stepping out of your comfort zone requires time and patience. This process may cause your motivation and emotions to fluctuate, however, it is essential to remind yourself of why started in the first place.
2. Participate In Group Activities
Participating in group activities is a quite lucrative method of getting out of your comfort zone that. For one, working in a group of people teaches you valuable communication skills. Additionally, group activities incorporate teamwork, relationship building, and leadership skills, which allows for growth both personally and professionally.
Participating in group activities puts you in the position to interact with diverse groups of people. Some additional ways that participating in group activities can help you to get out of your comfort zone include:
- Taking a leadership role: The next time you have the opportunity to work in a group, try to take the lead in a competition, school project, or extracurricular activity. This activity will allow you to develop stronger leadership and critical thinking skills.
- Sharing your ideas: Try sharing some of your thoughts or viewpoints in a group setting, which allows you to feel valued and maybe even bring some of your ideas to fruition.
- Interacting with others: This is a given, however, participating in group activities allows you to learn more about other people and develop positive relationships with people.
3. Join An Organization You’re Passionate About
“There is incredible value in being of service to others.” -Elizabeth Berg
What better way to break your normal routine than by joining an organization you are genuinely passionate about? Perhaps you are passionate about gender equality, feeding the hungry or giving back to underprivileged communities.
Wherever your passions lie, joining an organization you’re passionate about allows you to get out of your comfort zone by doing something that helps you put your skills to use beneficially; while also helping others who are in need.
Here is a list of some non-profit organizations to consider joining:
- Human Rights Campaign: The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is one of the U.S. nation’s most significant advocates for LGBTQ rights with over 3 million supporters. HRC strives towards creating equal access to a safe home, work, and social environments for people within the LGBTQ community.
- The Nature Conservatory: The Nature Conservatory aims to conserve land and water while conducting research that impacts global policies on environmental resources. The Nature Conservatory is involved in various initiatives, including climate change, food/water sustainability, sustaining nature in cities by urban planning, and increasing biodiversity in metropolitan areas.
- Color of Change: Color of Change is one of the nation’s largest non-profit racial justice organizations. Color of Change aims to shed light on issues surrounding racial inequality, criminal justice issues, voting rights, political representation, anti-black violence, and more.
4. Take A Different Route Home
Taking a different route home allows you to take your brain off of “pilot mode” while changing your daily routine. Additionally, taking a different route home can boost your creativity and focus as you navigate through a different environment.
In fact, I once spoke with someone who decided to change their daily routine by taking a different route home every day. After the first day of taking a new route, they managed to find $20 on the ground. The message here is that making small changes each day can lead to pleasant surprises in the future.
Overall, taking a different route home is a great way to change your daily routine and allows you to spot different opportunities when they arise.
5. Initiate Conversations
Initiating a conversation is a more challenging method of getting out of your comfort zone. The reason being that this method requires practice, patience, and persistence. Attempting to converse with a new person can make anyone feel pretty uncomfortable if they’re unsure of how to go about it.
However, like any new task– the more you practice something, the better you will become at it. The key is to exude confidence when speaking to someone. Be aware of your body language and make sure to use eye contact as this signals to someone that you’re paying attention to them.
Here are some additional tips for striking up a conversation with someone
- Pay a compliment: If you notice something unique about someone, don’t be afraid to tell them about it. People love feeling complimented, and this is a simple way to break the ice with someone.
- Ask for an opinion: An excellent way to speak to someone new is to ask for their thoughts or ideas on something. Asking these questions shows that you are interested in hearing their perspectives.
- Look for common ground: When conversing with someone, try to find different things that you can relate to or speak about in-depth. This helps to build a connection with people and display similar interests.
- Be yourself: This one may sound cliche. However, this may be one of the most critical points in initiating a conversation with someone. When you’re yourself, the discussion will flow more smoothly and feel less forced. It is easier than you might think for people to tell when you’re not genuine during a conversation. So, be you!
6. Make a “Bucket List” Jar
Creating a bucket list jar can be a fun and creative way of getting out of your comfort zone. To get started, buy a jar and then write down each item on your bucket list on small pieces of paper.
Next, once you have all of your bucket list items written down, put them in the jar. Each week, select one thing to do on your list. This allows you to try something new every week and cross items off of your bucket list.
A few examples of things to add in your weekly bucket list jar:
- Go on a road trip
- Conquer a fear
- Make something from scratch
- Go to a restaurant you’ve never been to before
- Perform in front of others
- Write a song
- Disconnect from social media for a week
- Compete in a running event
- Learn a new skill
7. Say “Yes” More
This method of getting out of your comfort zone can be more unpredictable than the other methods. However, this is an excellent way of trying something new and different than what you’re already used to.
The next time someone invites you to an event or an opportunity displays itself, try saying “yes.” What this does is it challenges you to try new things and interact with different people. If a friend or coworker invites you to a club meeting or outdoor event, challenge yourself to say “yes.” You never know where these new opportunities may lead you to in the future.
Key Takeaways
Getting out of your comfort zone can be challenging but extremely rewarding for your growth and personal development. Choosing to do so will provide you with many new experiences and opportunities in the future. Remember, it’s all about taking the first step and staying persistent with your goals.
Making small changes each day and week will allow you to attain the skills you need to be successful and ultimately, the best version of yourself. Which method of getting out of your comfort zone will you try next? Let us know in the comment section!
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