Let’s assume that you are presently at your work. Think of the efforts you make, the discussions you have, and all the things you pretty much do on auto-pilot every day. How often do you push yourself beyond your limits?

When was the last time you really got out of your comfort zone – that you dared to say ‘yes’ to an opportunity that frightened you? Have you ever been in a situation where you knew you would be proud of yourself if you rose to a challenge despite your fears–a situation that tested your usual limits and would become toxic if you didn’t intervene?

So what exactly is a “comfort zone” (CZ)?

A comfort zone is a place that we know very well, where we feel protected from outside attack or potential failure. It’s where we stand in relation to an event or a project. And fear is the main reason that we stay in this very comfortable place – fear of making a mistake, of being judged, of not succeeding, of dealing with failure, and of many other things.

Let’s be honest. Is there anything more reassuring than what we already know? When you’re in your comfort zone, nothing can happen to you – at least nothing you aren’t already familiar with and that you wouldn’t be able to handle.

Your comfort zone is the space delineated by the strength of your beliefs – beliefs which are often false. We’re comfortable with what we know even if, paradoxically, what we know is uncomfortable or painful.

Close to 90% of people spend most of their time in their CZ, a place that makes them feel so at ease that they never attempt to escape their gilded prison. The other 10% don’t feel nearly as comfy there, preferring the excitement of new projects and adventures in unchartered territory.

To quote Tony Robbins, “You have the power to reinvent yourself.” And getting out of your CZ is one of the most direct and effective ways of getting there!

Only you can decide to get out of your limiting comfort zone. Ask yourself what you stand to gain by staying there. What are the direct and indirect costs of maintaining the status quo for another six months, another year, or another five years?

Getting out of your comfort zone requires believing in yourself and in your creativity. It also requires taking a risk, being willing to be vulnerable, dealing with your fears, asking for help and, above all, accepting that failure is a possibility.

So how do get out of your CZ?

  • The first step is to be more conscious of your internal dialogue. Jot down a list of false beliefs (saboteurs) and that you’ve unconsciously accepted as true. For example: I’m not competent; I’m not capable; what will people think of me? It’s too much for me…
  • Then, challenge your assumptions. For example, if you assume that “obviously my client will think this product is too expensive and extravagant”, or “my client doesn’t want a 2nd service because he doesn’t have the money, or “what’s the point when they can get it cheaper elsewhere?”, then ask yourself if these are your assumptions or those of the people around you. And be willing to challenge your assumptions by asking open questions instead of assuming the worst. Be daring!

You learn to get out of your CZ one situation at a time, one step at a step, and by developing a very clear vision of what you want to achieve.

  • Define your intentions. Think of a specific situation that is making you uncomfortable and then define the intention that is motivating you to deal with the unknown and to get out of your comfort zone. How will it make your life different? What positive returns will showing courage and determination generate for you?

–   Let’s say you want to improve communication within your team and have an idea in mind but are holding back from pursuing it for fear of how your colleagues will react. First, identify your fears and challenge your assumptions. Ask yourself: Why is communication important to me? What do I want for my colleagues? What do I hope to achieve? How do I want this to positively impact my team? Next, choose a place you really enjoy, where you can unleash your creativity, and picture how you will get your idea across to your team, for example, through a meeting, a workshop, games, or an activity, and then decide when it will take place by setting a specific date.

Few people realize that many of their beliefs severely limit their ability to be more and to do more. You have to be conscious of your false core beliefs before you can replace them with beliefs that are in line with your values.

The need for personal fulfilment and self-actualization are intrinsic to human nature; refusing to get out of your comfort zone is agreeing to ‘play it small’ in life. And yet there are so many benefits to leaving your comfort zone: you grow as a person, you gain more confidence, you learn new things, you do things others don’t, you reach your goals more quickly and you’re presented with great new opportunities. All you need is a little courage!

I invite you to leave comments,

Christine Lecavalier