Escape the Prison of Your Comfort Zone

by RHert
11 replies
Everyone has their comfort zone, that place where they feel safe and comfortable doing things. Whether that's reading a book at home or standing in a big crowd talking to everyone depends on the person.


I was recently talking to someone who was very possibly the most insecure person I've ever met. She had a problem that she desperately wanted fixed. I must have given her a dozen suggestions on how to fix it quickly and easily. Each one she shot down because "that's not the type of person she is". In essence the fix was outside of her comfort zone. So instead of fixing the problem she chose to agonize over it and try to make everyone feel sorry that she had this problem.
The solution was so easy and would have kept all of her worry and anguish away. It would only have taken a few minutes of squirming, gaining up the courage, and doing it.
Stepping outside of your comfort zone is the only way for you to grow, for your life to move forward.
No one really likes to do this. It's not comfortable, you become anxious and self conscious, but it still must be done if you want to move forward in life.
Most people don't believe me when I tell them I was the most awkward social person ever to exist. I was either completely invisible, or when I did finally speak the moment a sentence came out of my mouth everyone fell quiet, gave me a strange look and broke apart or ignored me completely. They don't believe me because now I can walk confidently up to someone and start a conversation that can last for hours.
It didn't happen all at once. I worked in baby steps.
I knew what I wanted, but it was so far out of my comfort range that it was as if I stood at the base of a mountain and my goal was on the highest peak. I couldn't even take that first step without my chest constricting and my throat closing off.
So instead I inched my foot closer. I broke that goal into small manageable pieces that took me just a step outside of my comfort zone. The first one: Meet people's eyes. It took me nearly three weeks to first meet someone's eye and hold it for at least 5 seconds, then 10, then long enough that they were the ones that broke the contact off. I practiced everywhere I went; stores, the street, random meetings. It didn't take me long to learn that most people will not hold your gaze for more than a few seconds, and it boosted my confidence tremendously.
Since then I have applied this method many times, always with great success. Baby steps, first one toe out, then a foot. Before long you're striding forward, moving past the point of no return and stretching those comfort zone boundaries beyond what you had ever imagined. It is possible and so many problems are solved if you're just willing to move outside of your comfort zone.
#comfort #escape #prison #zone
  • Profile picture of the author Richard Essi
    Awesome buddy!

    Getting out of your comfort zone is proof that you have challenged your pre-established mindset.

    "This is not me...." "I have never done this before"...."This is not part of my personalit..." type of phrases, are just examples of the kind of excuses we are ready to give to not do what we know we have to do.

    Many people spin their wheels and wonder what to do to become successful!

    Well, like you rightly said, it starts by getting out of your comfort zone.

    The hype out there about getting rich without lifting your finger, nor getting out of your comfort zone...is exactly what it is....HYPE!

    Develop a killer work ethic that dwarfs even the most gifted, and you might just be the next John Carlton, Gary B or whoever your favorite copywriter is.

    More speed to you bro!

    Richard
    Signature
    Confused? Frustrated? Overwhelmed? And Tired? Let's Talk...
    How To Think And Become A Successful Webpreneur"By Richard Essi

    Just remember, you can do anything you set your mind to, but it takes action, perseverance, and facing your fears.

    --Gillian Anderson
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5533216].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author eastermcbride
    nice share buddy
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5536675].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author aireland
    Great share, getting out of your comfort zone will reward you in ways you would of never of thought of in the comfort zone
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5536687].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ElliotBerg
    I completely agree with your thoughts and have even experienced in my life. Great share..
    Signature
    The gratification of wealth is not found
    in mere possession or in lavish expenditure
    but in its wise application
    Miguel de Cervantes
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5537456].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Code Weaver
    anything worthwhile and to achieve success requires you to get out of your comfort zone and go do something new and uncertain...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5546408].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author watty12
      I remember getting out of my comfort zone by having to do some public speaking, but boy, once I did it I felt so good about myself.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5552880].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tjcreation
    I can really relate to the story. When I was a teenager I was painfully shy. I remember forcing myself to talk to one person I didn't know everyday - even if it was just the cashier taking my money at the gas station. I made myself say something more than just thank you. It took a long time, but now I am comfortable around most people - and more importantly - I'm comfortable with myself.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5552899].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dugu56
    I also hate going out of my comfort zone and rarely do so. Only if by doing so I am helping someone I am ready to do it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5553019].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Lin Raj
    getting out of comfort zone shows that you have stepped towards success.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5563074].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author tedw
      Great post! How easily we can fall into the trap. Reminds me of people who complain about their job every day but never actually do anything about it - which sure sounds like the principle behind how Einstein defined insanity!

      To get different results I reckon you've got to step out of your comfort zone!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5563236].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tunbridgeangus
    Yes, once you have overcome your fear it feels good and very free from all heavy feelings even if you're out of your comfort zone.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5564421].message }}

Trending Topics