5 ways to kick off your comfort zone

Comfort Zone: a psychological state in which things feel familiar to a person and they are at ease and in control of their environment, experiencing low levels of anxiety and stress. 

Humans are creatures of comfort. Our comfort zone is our natural, neutral state -- a place where stress and anxiety are minimal, where we know what's coming next and can plan accordingly.

There's nothing wrong with being in your comfort zone, unless you get too comfortable and start holding yourself back instead of challenging yourself to learn, grow and try new things.

Here are 5 ways to help you get out of your precious comfort zone:

1.      Become Familiar With Discomfort –

Living outside of one's comfort zone is by definition uncomfortable. Therefore, the best habit you can foster within yourself is the practice of becoming familiar with discomfort. A great way to do this is to pick one thing each day that scares you and go and do it.

2.      Clearly Visualize Success –

Often when people are asked to step out of their comfort zone, they think of all the things that could go wrong.  Create a powerful image each time you feel fear stepping out of your safe zone.

3.      Don't Go At It Alone –

We tend to think that we are alone in our fear of the unknown. Ask a trusted friend, colleague or mentor how they got through their fear of stepping outside of their comfort zone. 

4.      Embrace A Role –

Want to be more comfortable walking into a roomful of people? Imagine an alter ego who is confident in that situation. Put on that alter ego and really inhabit it. Over time, you'll get more comfortable. Eventually, you won't need the alter ego.

5.      Remember: Some Of The Best Things Happen When You're Uncomfortable –

Commit to giving the situation a try with your best effort, and keep expectations low to avoid additional pressure. Ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that can happen?" then focus on achieving the opposite result.