It's easy to get stuck in boring, repetitive daily routines. After all, we're all creatures of habit. We eat the same breakfast every day, order the same coffee on our way to work, and arrive at the office at the same time every day.
However, for entrepreneurs, playing it safe and avoiding risks can rob them of opportunities for success. When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone and embraced a new challenge?
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, a therapist and author of "Better Than Perfect," has stated that people who regularly seek out new experiences tend to be more creative and mentally resilient than those who are stuck in daily routines.
"Breaking your own molds can only make you stronger and more confident, which will then propel you to higher levels in your career and personal life," she said.
She also added that innovation emerges when we step outside our comfort zones. If we remain confined to our daily routines, our creativity is at risk of diminishing. "To become more creative, you have to try new things, look at things from a different perspective, and put everything together in a new way."
However, it is fear that prevents most of us from stepping outside our comfort zone. “We all carry within us a great fear of failure,” Lombardo says. When first applying any skill, everyone feels hesitant, awkward, and a little tense; however, the more you practice, the more comfortable you become. According to Lombardo, becoming comfortable with uncomfortable things is the key to overcoming this fear.
In this article, we will show you ways to step outside your comfort zone:
Creating a habit
To feel comfortable doing uncomfortable things, you need to regularly step outside your comfort zone. “The more comfortable you are with trying new things, the less hesitant you will be about them and the more willing you will be to embrace new challenges,” Lombardo says.
Start with small things.
You don't need to give up all your daily routines to step outside your comfort zone. Try taking small steps first, such as trying a different route to work or even moving your desk to a different location. This can help you feel more comfortable with the discomfort of trying something new.
Recreating the fear
To overcome the fear of trying something new, Lombardo advises that we should reimagine those fears, but transform them into feelings of excitement or the feeling of seeing a new opportunity. By viewing things in this positive way, you will soon accept that feeling of nervousness and anxiety instead of avoiding it.
Seek out challenges
"Doing something challenging can give you a completely different perspective and make you more receptive to change," Lombardo says. When you try something challenging, you experience a sudden surge of endorphins in your body and feel energized.
Ask yourself why.
Asking yourself why you need to step outside your comfort zone can help you overcome the fear of doing so. Lombardo suggests writing down the benefits of this action, such as “building courage” or “becoming more creative.” Looking at the “why” reasons when you start feeling stressed can reduce your stress levels, making it easier to tackle the task.
Source: Saga.vn
