Step Out Of  Your Comfort Zone Made Easy With This Simple Guide

We’ve all heard the saying to get out of your comfort zone. But what does that mean? It sounds like an easy phrase to throw around, but sometimes advice is easier to give than to take.

How many times have you heard the phrase ‘You need to go beyond your comfort zone’?

Do you find yourself saying “I need to step outside of my comfort zone”?

And more important, how does it feel when you think about going outside of your comfort zone?
A quick search on the web will reveal numerous quotes and articles telling you how you need to muster up and “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
So many times have you tried to muster up but just found yourself frozen from taking that step, or come up with oh so many valid and reasonable excuses for not taking that step. Only to beat yourself up for promising yourself to go at it and not following through.
The good news, is that there is a good reason why you didn’t step outside of your comfort zone – and we’ll get to that a little later in the article.
The bad news, is that we continue trapping ourselves in the web of pressure and expectations that continue to hinder us and hold us back.
Every time it happens we're left more frustrated and discouraged, slowly losing the belief that we are capable to make those changes we dream of and defeating with surrender to the fate of our weakness .

Sounds really depressing when I put it down this way, right?

But hold on, there's a way to end this cycle, and it starts with understanding that:

The Problem Is Not You!

The problem is that you are trying to go outside of your comfort zone!

Bare with me before you jump yelling at me for this 'blasphemy.'  Stay with me. I promise you it’s worth your time.

By the end of this article, you will feel more empowered than ever and have the right tools to use that will take you way beyond what you can imagine.

(How do I know? – Because I’ve been using these tools and method for years and so do my clients and the results speak for themselves)

Let’s take a little step back and start from the beginning.

This Is What Outside Of The Comfort Zone Feels Like:

• Emotional
  
• Fragile
  
• Procrastinating
  
• Irritable
  
• flustered
  
• No control
  

The Other Option

Imagine you're trying to cross a wide gushing river.

The current of water is powerful, it's carrying debris, it's creating whirlpools and big unpredictable waves.

You're standing on the banks of the river, wanting to cross it and get to the other side.

Lucky you, there are stepping stones across the river so the path is paved. (yay)

But you really want to get to the side quickly. You just want to be there already.

So you decide: "instead of walking over all the stepping stones, I'm just going to jump forward 5 stepping stones at a time" (because you think that will get you to the other side quicker.

You look forward, five stepping stones ahead, and it's quite far. That's a big jump. And the gushing water... The debris... And who knows, maybe the stepping stones are slippery...

This is scary. very scary. Your could slip, or maybe even fall.
There's a chance you might trip and drop into the gushing river and it will swipe you away to who knows where.
You could fall, and brake your legs.

This is a huge leap.

It's scary, and it's dangerous.

And you're standing there trying to get the courage to jump those five stones ahead so you can get to other side quicker. And it's taking forever. Because the risk is too high.  It's uncomfortable and your emotions are running wild triggered with the discomfort of not knowing how the jump will end.

OR...

You can look down at the stepping stone right in front of you, lift one leg up and gently step onto that stepping stone. You can hear the gushing water, and see the trees gently sawing in the breeze, you hear the birds chirping...

then, you take another step onto the next stepping stone that is right in front of you, you feel the rays of the sun wrapping you in a warm safe blanket, and twinkling playfully with the water flowing by...

Next, you take another step, this one is a bit wider, but it's just the right distance, and you see the beautiful flowers on the other side and some butterflies...

You step onto the next stepping stone, appreciating the beautiful day. You look back, and notice how far you've already come. It makes you feel confident, encouraged, determined...

With that feeling, you continue stepping forward, one stepping stone at a time, some steps are a bit further apart, but just the right distance you know you can make...

And before you know it, you're reach the other side of the river.

No bruises.
No broken bones.
Not a drop of water on you (well, maybe just a few from the water splashing around the stepping stones).

Now, Isn't that a much better experience?

Instead of going outside of your comfort zone, risking an emotional meltdown, anxiety, stress and taking forever to get there, take yourself to the EDGE of your comfort zone,  where your feet are still on the ground and you’re still strong enough to deal with the level of discomfort.

The Edge of your comfort zone is the place where you're open, more excited than scared, exhilarated, and ready.

Be Honest with Yourself  When You Are Trying to Make Excuses

When you find yourself saying “Oh, I just don’t have the time for this right now”, or 'forget to take the initiative you intended to, be honest with yourself. It's much better to admit and say “I'm afraid to do this.” Then you can dig a bit deeper and figure out what the real fears are and how too work with yourself to find a better, smaller step.

Don’t make excuses, just be honest. You will be in a better place to confront what is truly bothering you and increase your chance of moving forward.

Recognize Your Reactive Thoughts And Re frame A New, Positive Thought Onto Them

Your automated thought patterns are controlling you with negative, discouraging and overwhelming phrases you've been saying to yourself for a long time. (that's why they're automated by now). When you find yourself triggered, overwhelmed, or procrastinating on something you want to do. Take a peak into your inner dialogue and try to add a more supportive twist to it.

Become Aware of  What’s Outside of  Your Comfort Zone

Become Clear About What You Are Aiming to Overcome

Take the list of discomforts and go deeper. Remember, the primary emotion you are trying to overcome is fear.   

How does this fear apply uniquely to each situation? Be very specific.

For example: If you're afraid of walking up to people and introducing yourself in social situations, ask yourself:

Why?

Is it because you are insecure about the sound of your voice?

Are you insecure about your look?

 Or, are you afraid of being ignored?

Remember Your Past Accomplishments

Accomplishments, past triumphs, fears you've overcome... Looking back at things that used to be uncomfortable and are now in your comfort zone are great reminders of your ability.  They will remind you of your courage.  It will give you the encouragement to look fear in the eye, even if it's not easy. It helps you realize what you are truly made of.

Find The Right Steps

Don’t try to jump outside your comfort zone, you will likely become overwhelmed and jump right back in.

Find the smallest step toward the fear you are trying to overcome.  Remember: Every step counts, no matter how small it is! 
Don't try to jump too far - Walk onto the stepping stone right in front of you

Rationalize The Fear

Start by identifying the fear that makes something uncomfortable, then go through a quick mental exercise to rationalize why you shouldn't proceed with this uncomfortable and fearful next step. If the rationalization is factual, perhaps you don't proceed. However, if the rationalization is purely emotional, perhaps you need to proceed and push through any discomfort.