“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”
Brian Tracy
Personal and professional growth do not always come knocking at your door – sometimes you have to go out and look for them. Staying where you are may feel comfortable, easy and even good. However, the downside of comfortable, easy and good is that they encourage behaviours that simply maintain the status quo and are unlikely to lead to change or anything new, different or better happening in your life. Staying where you are is an acquired or learned behaviour that can be unlearned by overcoming the fears that hold you back and by developing your willingness to take action. Stepping out of your comfort zone can certainly be daunting and you may feel unsure about taking the leap. Following our tips will help to keep things in perspective.
- Examine your beliefs about change and find out what is holding you back. Beliefs are not set in concrete – they can be changed but you may have to work on them.
- Focus on times in your past where you have made a leap that turned out well or look for inspiration and encouragement in the examples of others.
- Keep the voice in your head positive and constructive – by all means, let it ask questions that help you prepare for the change but don’t let it hold you back.
- Develop a clear picture of where you want to go and what it will be like when you get there. Keep your energy directed at the benefits that will come your way.
- Do what you can to prepare for taking the leap by thinking about the possible consequences of your new actions. Have multiple strategies ready to swing into action if needed.
Change is rarely achieved without some effort or even discomfort. Nonetheless, if your future could be brighter beyond the comfort zone, then surely you owe it to yourself to find out what is out there?
Responding to Change and Transition is one of our focus areas – let us support you with individual coaching when you want to take up a new challenge.