How to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone? Here Are 5 Steps To Remember

Isn’t it exhilarating to try something new for the first time? It can be as simple as a new hairstyle or hair colour, or a new hobby you’ve always wanted to get into. Or remember that feeling when you first stepped foot in a different country, eager to get lost exploring its nooks and crannies?

It’s these exciting endeavours that make people pursue something outside of what is usual. But is getting out of your comfort zone good for your career? Successful people, regardless of the industry, attest to reaping the benefits of doing something “uncomfortable.” Sure, it can be risky, but no one ever succeeded without taking a leap into the unknown. So, how to get out of your comfort zone? Lean into the unfamiliar, just like what these personalities did.

Successful People Who Got Out of Their Comfort Zone

Stories of people who made it big abound. No matter their background or beginnings, they share one thing in common: they are not afraid to shake things up and pursue what they want. Take a cue from these personalities.

Elon Musk, entrepreneur

Before becoming the CEO of TESLA and SpaceX, 17-year-old Musk uprooted himself from South Africa to study in Canada, eventually flying to the U.S. to earn his bachelor’s degree. This decision to migrate from one continent to another is a bold move, considering Musk has been described as an introverted young man—something that might be hard to believe given his current fame and stature.

Musk also took a huge risk when he decided to manufacture rocket parts in-house for SpaceX—an unusual practice for spacecraft manufacturers, most of which outsource their production. As a result, the company is able to save on costs, consequently lowering the price tag of going to outer space.

Peter Jackson, film director

Talking aboutThe Lord of the Ringsfilm trilogy is not complete without mentioning Peter Jackson’s name. Jackson catapulted to international fame when he took on an ambitious project: bringing a classic literary fantasy series to life by shooting three films simultaneously over the course of more than 400 days. It was a feat that had never been done at that time, much more by a then less-known director. Today, the epic fantasy film is considered one of the best trilogies of all time, cementing Jackson’s reputation as a prolific director.

Martha Stewart, TV personality and entrepreneur

Domestic goddess Martha Stewart is another personality who embraced the unfamiliar to forge a successful career. Prior to becoming a household name, Stewart was initially a stockbroker. She discovered her knack for decorating and home management when she bought a rundown Connecticut farmhouse with her husband. When she was convicted of felony charges related to a stock trading case, most people thought her career and business empire would end. Stewart proved to be a formidable woman when she made a successful comeback.

Bill Gates, business magnate and philanthropist

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has always had a knack for computer programming. But thinking he was expected to follow in the footsteps of his father, a prominent lawyer, Gates took a pre-law major at Harvard University. That did not mean, though, that he forsook his passion. While in college, he enrolled in mathematics and graduate-level computer science courses. When he found an opportunity to establish his own computer software company with friend Paul Allen, he readily took it and dropped out of Harvard. Fortunately, his parents were supportive of this decision. This risk paid off and made Gates one of the highest-earning billionaires in the world. And while he is no longer active in the company he founded, Gates continues to be an influential person with his philanthropic endeavours.

How to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Staying within the confines of what you are used to is safe, yes. You might feel like you are too old (or too young) to pursue a more challenging role. Perhaps you are too busy to set aside time for a weekend hobby. Or you feel like where you are is already good enough, even if you know there is more room for growth.

Unfortunately, your comfort zone is also where nothing really happens. It is understandable to be wary of venturing away from it, no thanks to limiting beliefs that restrict you from going a step further. But why is it bad for you to stay in your comfort zone? Because you will not get anywhere. Learn to welcome the unfamiliar if you want to grow, especially in your career. Here are ways to wiggle out of that comfort zone.

Plan and prepare.

Banish your fear and discomfort by facing them head-on. Plan ahead, and make a checklist if you must. Say, for instance, you were assigned to helm a project for the first time. Instead of turning it down, take stock of your skills that will allow you to pull off this assignment. Make a list of the tasks you need to accomplish. Ask advice from friends and colleagues who have experience in project management. Find project management tools to help you oversee your team. As you go through this process, you will find yourself growing more confident and at ease in your new role.

Learn a new skill.

Learning a new skill can do wonders not only for your career but also for your self-confidence. Pick something that you are really interested in, then work your way from there. If you want to be more confident when addressing a crowd, for example, why not sign up for a public speaking workshop? Soon, you will also be acing those work presentations.

Try something different.

It can be a new hobby you can indulge in to break the monotony of a nine-to-five job. It can be as simple as trying out a new dish at your favourite restaurant, or even a new route during your morning walks. Doing something new does not have to be grand; the point is to embark on something that you have not tried yet. When you become comfortable veering away from simple things like these, you will soon develop the courage to step into more substantial changes.

Embrace mistakes.

Allow yourself to make mistakes—they are a crucial part of the process. Do not be too hard on yourself by expecting you will get everything right the first time. Making mistakes is how you learn, adapt, and evolve. All successful people have committed blunders at one point or another, but instead of retreating back to their comfort zone, they pushed through. You can do the same: Take note of what went wrong and assess how it can be rectified.

Take small steps.

The idea of stepping out of your comfort zone is, in itself, already intimidating. Therefore, do not rush it. Start small, then work your way from there. If you are feeling stuck in your career, do not draft that resignation letter just yet. Instead, try taking on more challenging tasks for a change. Sometimes, you can nurture your career right where you are without looking for a new job.

Welcoming change and embracing the unfamiliar can open up opportunities you never thought existed. So, leave your comfort zone behind and say hello to a world of new possibilities. #SEEKBetter jobs by creating or updating your JobStreet profile. For more insights on how you can thrive in the workplace, visit the Career Resources page.