How To Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone

"As you move outside of your comfort zone, what was once the unknown and frightening becomes your new normal" - Robin S. Sharma.

You've definitely seen inspiring photos or quotes, that are constantly telling you to go out there and do something you would definitely not normally do. In fact, there is a lot of science behind the reason why you decide to stay in your shielded bubble. Quite simply, your comfort zone is known to be space where your behaviour and activities are in a regular routine that minimise stress and risks; your comfort zone provides a state of mental security. You are at peace with yourself, when you are safe inside your natural comfort zone. So how do you step out of this shell and hurl yourself into the unknown?

Understand the truth behind your habits. Discovering your unconscious habits can be one tough challenge. They commonly represent past successes. You once did something in a particular way, and found that it worked out. That's exactly how habits grow upon us. To exit your comfort zone, you must leave these habits behind and take on board some new ones that will allow you to think and act differently. However, keep this in mind: habits never truly disappear; they are replaced with different, more useful habits.

Attempt doing things differently. Order a different meal when you go to a restaurant, or take a unfamiliar route to work. Breaking your routine little by little will encourage you to try things differently for other parts of your day too. If your new method failed, don't be deterred from trying new things. Suggest other aspects to yourself that you could change, and perhaps they will have a positive outcome.

Make a definite move towards your goal. Sometimes we just need to throw ourselves into unfamiliar situations and hope for the best. The first step is to plan a goal - what is it that you would like to achieve? The goal should be specific, achievable and realistic. Telling yourself that you're going to memorise all of Shakespeare's plays and poems by the end of the day is certainly impractical, unless you have some sort of superpower that allows you to do so effortlessly. Setting daily tasks for yourself will ensure you have the time to complete them and will get you out of your comfort zone in no time.

Take small steps. You don't have to throw your entire daily routine out of the window. Of course it will take a while to break out of your comfort zone, as you build up the courage. There's no way you'll be able to make a decision that needs a lot of intense thought overnight. It will undoubtedly be a demanding job. Whether you take chicken steps or elephant steps, you will have the same optimistic outcome. Take things at the speed that you're content with, and never give up.

Be open. This is the most critical piece of advice. Be open to anything, whether it be meeting new people or experiencing new things. There will always be intelligent people who you can learn a thing or two from. Be open to new ideas. Nothing, and I mean nothing, should be able to hold you back from new, fantastic adventures. Just go out there!