My youngest daughter and I are a lot alike. Sometimes talking to her feels like talking to myself; it’s pretty funny. While we are very similar in many ways, one of the biggest ways that we differ is in the fact that I am an extrovert while she is an introvert. This basically means that I thrive in groups of people and am energized when I am able to meet new people and make connections, while she finds these experiences to be draining. A few months ago, we went to a conference together. This was an opportunity for us to make connections and meet people, and while she handled herself well, it was obvious that she was completely outside of her comfort zone. While I was looking for who I could talk with next, she was looking for a way to get away from the crowds. I was in my element; she was so far removed from her comfort zone that she just wanted to go home. The truth that my daughter exemplified that day is a reality for all of us: getting out of our comfort zone can be painful! We become anxious, withdrawn, and overwhelmed. But, as Logan learned that day, even though it isn’t fun, escaping our comfort zones is absolutely necessary. There can be no growth or development if we refuse to be uncomfortable. Although this experience is rarely fun, here are seven ways to make it a little bit easier. [bctt tweet="There can be no growth or development if we refuse to be uncomfortable." username="dukematlock"]
1. Be honest.
Identify what it is about what you are facing that makes you uncomfortable. Instead of swinging away with your eyes closed, this will allow you to develop specific strategies to overcome your hesitation.
2. Remove yourself from the equation.
Imagine that a close friend was making the excuses that you are making to avoid doing something that is outside of their comfort zone. Would you accept their excuses and let them get away with it? If the answer is no, then it’s probably time to take your own advice. Don’t shy away from holding yourself accountable.
3. Prepare.
I truly believe that the best way to combat hesitation is to be prepared. When I was in college, I took a preaching class. The professor advised us to talk all the way through our sermons and prepare detailed notes before we delivered our message. The difference that these two steps made was incredible. When you’re prepared, you have the freedom to act with confidence.
[bctt tweet="The best way to combat hesitation is to be prepared." username="dukematlock"]4. Go slow.
Give yourself some time to figure out the best way to handle the anxiety that arises as you seek to get out of your comfort zone. You may feel pressure to dive into the deep end, but it’s also okay to take small steps. Small changes, implemented consistently, result in exponential growth. Take your time.
5. Make the behavior shift your own.
There’s an old phrase that says “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” This means that there is more than one way to accomplish any goal. This is true when you’re looking to get out of your comfort zone as well. Do the things that will work best for your temperament and personality.
6. Trust yourself.
Believe me, you can do this. You have everything you need to succeed. Let your instincts lead you as you pursue this kind of growth.
7. Go for it.
Once you have strategized, planned, and prepared, you have to take the plunge. Be careful not to shy away when the moment you’ve been waiting for finally arises.
You will experience incredible growth when you get out of your comfort zone. Leadership capacity will increase, confidence will build, and you will widen your reach. It’s uncomfortable, but completely necessary. You’ve got this.LIKE THIS POST?
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