3 Things To Help Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Going out of your comfort zone might be the most important thing you do.

We're creatures of comfort. When we're in unfamiliar situations we tend to be reactive, and it's natural instinct. As a result, we tend to avoid going out of cocoons but the benefits outweigh the comforts.

Giving that first public speech and learning to say 'no' are common examples of going out of your comfort zone.

Here's how, step by step:

1: Understanding Where You Are As Of Now

To move out of your comfort zone, realising what makes you uncomfortable is essential.

My comfort zone of running is 7km at this point. 10km will be a push and anything beyond will require sustained planning. Think of these questions:

Do I want to do this? Am I doing this for myself? Does this clash with other priorities?

If the answer is yes to the first two and no the last, the friction is lesser. In the pursuit of discomfort, ensuring comfort is a paradox that’s worth considering.

2: Practice In Private, Progress In Public

Learn from friends, put in the reps and take small strides to familiarize yourself.

To be comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, you first need to be comfortable speaking without a crowd. Having good flow, catch phrases and cue words are a good start. By nailing these in practice, you will have one less thing to worry about.

The best comedians today have bombed their initial shows. Showing up irrespective is what made them who they are today.

3: Put Yourself Ahead Of The Naysayers

I love how straight forward some people are. If there’s something that matters to you, someone saying “it’s not realistic” or “it doesn’t make sense” shouldn’t be a detriment.

As much as I love the validation of an idea, sometimes, you might be asking the wrong people. If you want to pursue something, do it anyway. If failure strikes, you either bounce back or realise it’s not for you. My creative journey had begun last year.

Some people get it, some don’t. The happiness from affecting even one person (myself) is enough to keep me going.

It's important to realise that this is different for everyone. Some are comfortable travelling to a different city without a plan, while, for someone else, going to a new restaurant is challenging. Do not be hard on yourself; everyone is different.