For many of us, at the first sign of danger, our natural tendency is to do what we can to protect ourselves from harm and discomfort. This same tendency also happens to be the force that holds us back from the unfamiliar, urging us to stick with what is deemed safe. However, it is ultimately through breaking through our protective shells that allows us to grow and live life to the fullest. 

Whether it’s moving out of our parents’ house, trying something new for the first time, or asking a boss for a raise, a step out of our comfort zone is what will bring us closer to the life we desire. In order to attain true success and fulfilment, we must learn to stop constraining ourselves. Fortunately, this is something that can be learned, and if you are looking for some guidance to claim the life of your dreams, here are 5 simple tips to shift yourself outside of your comfort zone.

1. Identify your WHY

Whether it’s money, the desire to serve, or even the pursuit of love, when we have enough of a reason to do something, we are strongly driven to deliver. It is of utmost importance that we identify why we do what we do, as this in and of itself serves as the foundation for the decisions we make to step outside of our comfort zone or stay within it. 

For more guidance in finding your why, give this article a read. 

2. Be clear about what it is you want to achieve

One of the core lessons taught at Empower U is the importance of goal setting in fulfilling ambitions big and small. The main idea is to clearly identify what it is we aim to achieve, which then serves as a stepping stone to the how. 

Extra tip: Set SMART goals! It’s a surefire way to get the most out of your goal-setting. 

3. Identify how stepping out of your comfort zone will benefit you

Undoubtedly, the more familiar we are with the benefits of doing something, the more motivated we are to actually do it. Through keeping the benefits of taking a risk in mind, we are able to use our motivations to push through fear and our focus is geared towards the end goal.

4. Take baby steps and recognise that it is okay to do so

Taking baby steps can sometimes make us feel inefficient or that we are making too little progress, but it is often our desire for immediate gratification that overwhelms us and ultimately makes us hold back. Start at a level that is in alignment with you and allow your goal to gradually drive you forward. Going big and taking a leap of faith is great, but so is going at your own pace.

5. See roadblocks as stepping stones

Many are so afraid of failure that they would rather do nothing than take a shot at what could actually help them grow. When we decide to do something, there is undoubtedly a possibility of things not going as planned – but when we begin to view failure as an opportunity to learn, we begin to find the value in the struggles that make us work harder and serve as stepping stones that increase our chances for success in our future endeavours. 

Stepping out of our comfort zone can seem scary, but as long as you know you want to grow and are willing to put in the work, slowly pushing past your comfort zone will help you to feel more at ease about doing things that once felt so dangerous and impossible.