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Table Of Contents
What’s Wrong With Comfort Zone 2
Panic and fear are not productive 7
Understand your zones 12
DarIng To Be Uncomfortable 14
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone 16
Why Comfort Zones Are Business Killers 20
How to Take 4 Strategic Steps Outside of
Your Comfort Zone 24
Embracing Discomfort 30
Careers & Passions 33
Social Situations 35
Business Benefits of Leaping Outside Your
Comfort Zone 41
Conclusions 51
Page�2
What’s Wrong With ComfortZone
Comfort. Who doesn’t love comfort?
You�should�want�to�consistently�be�smarter�and�do�better.
That�means�stepping�outside�of�your�comfort�zone.
At�the�end�of�a�long�day,�there�is�nothing�better�than
getting�home�and�slipping�into�your�comfiest�clothes�before
you�enjoy�an�evening�with�the�family.�It’s�safe.�That’s�what
we�view�comfort�as.�Our�safe�place.
But,�is�it?
It�might�feel�like�it�is,�but�it’s�unsafe.�At�least,�it�is�if�it’s�a
long-term�strategy.�Comfort�often�leaves�us�bored�and
discontent.�It�doesn’t�matter�what�you�already�know,�most
people�want�to�know�more.�We’re�all�in�need�of�growth.�
Page�3
zone,�you�are�letting�go�of�hope.�You�have�no�intentions�of
finding�greatness,�you’re�not�interested�in�uncovering�new
experiences�or�surprising�yourself�with�your�capabilities.�No,
you�are�comfortable.
What�is�the�comfort�zone?�It’s�the�area�where�your
behaviors�and�actions�fall�into�a�pattern�or�routine�that
reduce�risk�and�minimize�stress.
Comfort�will�never�provide�you�with�greatness,�it�won’t
challenge�you�to�dive�into�new�experiences.�If�you�want�to
grow�as�a�person,�then�you�have�to�commit�yourself�to
being�uncomfortable.�Live�in�discomfort.�It’s�momentary,
but�the�benefits�aren’t.
To�grow,�it�requires�discomfort.�If�you�stick�with�the
comfort
You�may�have�heard�people�responding�with�“but�did�you
die?”�We�like�to�complain�about�bad�experiences.�It’s
human.�
Page�4
Some�people�overcome�their�fears�by�pushing�themselves
far�out�of�their�comfort�zone.�Even�in�a�state�of�panic,
they’ll�jump�from�that�plane.�For�quick�fix,�physical
experiences�this�may�be�appropriate.
But�this�rarely�works�in�daily�life.
Probable�you’ve�heard�a�lot�that�“the�magic�happens�outside�of
your�comfort�zone”.�I�agree.�But,�it’s�a�little�more�complex�than
this�because�something�else�also�happens�outside�of�your�comfort
zone:�panic.
Panic�is�a�state�of�terror,�fear�and�anxiety.�What�would�put�you�in
that�state?
Then,�one�wise�person�will�bring�you�back�to�reality�with
“but�did�you�die?”�You�obviously�didn’t�because�here�you�are
reading�this�right�now.
We�relate�the�situation�to�a�friend,�we�share�the�pain�and
hurt�with�them.
Page�5
What�makes�us�uncomfortable�in�daily�life�isn’t�often
something�we�can�physically�push�ourselves�into�for�a�few
minutes�and�be�done�with.�Instead,�we’re�likely�to
experience�prolonged,�difficult�change�that�requires�a�more
complex�response�from�us.
Page�6
We�may�choose�these�changes�like�starting�our�own
business�or�ending�a�relationship.�Or,�they�may�be�thrust
upon�us�like�an�unexpected�financial�problem�or�being
asked�to�do�a�difficult�piece�of�work.�Any�of�these�things
can�send�us�into�panic.
Page�7
Panic and fear are notproductive
Where�we�want�to�be�is�a�zone�between�comfort�and�panic:
the�growth�zone.�Here,�we�are�pushed,�challenged�and�we
may�sweat�a�little�but,�we�can�still�function�well�mentally
and�physically.
To�get�in�this�zone,�we�first�need�to�become�self-aware
about�our�unique,�personal�make�up�of�zones�at�any�given
time.
There’s�a�part�of�our�brain�that�is�thoughtful�and
considered.�It�creates�plans�and�solutions.�It�helps�us�during
life’s�challenges�and�facilitates�our�growth.
When�we�feel�panic�or�fear,�this�part�of�the�brain�stops
working.�You’ll�notice�this�when�you’re�highly�stressed.�You
struggle�to�speak�clearly�or�think.�When�life’s�challenges�hit,
this�isn’t�a�helpful�state�to�be�in.
Page�8
Comfort.�It�won’t�end�your�life�literally,�but�it�will�end�any
chance�of�growth�you�have.�You�will�always�be�in�the�same
place,�puttering�along,�getting�older,�but�never�moving
forward.
Growth�can�start�from�the�point�at�which�your�comfort
zone�ends.�Comfort�will�kill�your�productivity�and�negatively
influence�creativity.�Yet,�your�mind�will�naturally�gravitate
towards�safety,�it�loves�an�easy�routine.�Your�body,�too.
Yet,�if�you�want�to�grow�you�have�to�learn�to�embrace
discomfort.�Don’t�be�afraid�to�explore�new�ideas,�routines,
books,�disciplines,�and�paths.�Take�a�different�route�to�work
every�day.�Pick�up�a�book�you�would�never�normally�read.
The�point�is�that�being�uncomfortable,�experiencing
discomfort,�won’t�kill�you.�Although,�at�times,�it�may�feel�as
though�it�will.�Do�you�know�what�will�kill�you?
Page�9
this,�many�shrink�into�their�comfort�zone�and�hold�onto�it
for�dear�life.
Both�are�understandable�responses.�Of�course,�the�best
response�is,�indeed,�to�stand�up�and�be�counted.�We�hold
onto�this�idea�that�whatever�it�is�we�want�to�do;�we�can
always�do�it�later.�
Learn�about�a�new�subject.�Your�comfort�zone�offers�mental
security,�that’s�why�it’s�so�easy�to�steer�back�into�it.�If�you
don’t�actively�dare�yourself�to�be�uncomfortable,�you�will
always�slip�into�your�default�comfort�zone.
When�we�feel�uncertain�about�the�conditions�in�which�we
live,�our�comfort�zones�start�to�shrink.�So,�while�some
people�will�choose�to�stand�up�and�be�heard�at�points�like
Page�10
If�you�don’t�go�out�of�your�way�to�explore�new�things�and
find�new�ways�to�challenge�yourself,�then�you�will�default
to�doing�what�feels�good.�Unfortunately,�what�tends�to�feel
good�in�a�particular�moment�is�something�like�watching
television�or�playing�a�game.
That’s�not�to�say�you�can’t�retreat�to�your�comfort�zone
every�once�in�a�while,�it’s�where�you�can�process�and�relax.
The�purpose�of�being�uncomfortable�is�to�allow�yourself�to
get�better�and�to�grow.
Then�we�start�to�crumble�under�the�pressure�of�all�these
expectations�we�built�for�ourselves,�yet�never�pursued.�Your
ideas�of�growth�start�to�become�a�burden�because�you
didn’t�have�the�courage�to�leave�your�comfort�zone.�That
doesn’t�sound�so�comfortable�now,�does�it?
Page�11
But,�if�you�want�to�grow,�and�you�want�to�improve,�then
you�have�to�constantly�challenge�your�biological�instinct.
You�have�to�literally�force�yourself�to�grow.
Knowledge�is�critical.�You�will�have�to�pursue�it�constantly
to�pick�up�new�skills�and�avoid�being�left�behind.�So,�you
already�know�what�you�know…�but�what�more�can�you
learn?
They�have�their�time�and�place,�but�you�choose�these
instead�of�reading�a�book,�exercising�or,�doing�something
more�productive�with�your�time.�That�isn’t�leaning�into
discomfort�it’s�folding�yourself�back�into�your�comfort�zone.
Understand,�you’re�up�against�a�fierce�opponent.�You�are
biologically�wired�to�seek�comfort.�We�are�wired�to�avoid
pain,�particularly�pain�that�we�deem�unnecessary.�
Page�12
Now replace your panic wit h growt h
3.�Outside�the�growth�ring�is�your�panic�zone.�Write�here�all
the�things�that�make�you�panic.�E.g.�rock�climbing,�public
speaking,�running�out�of�money,�having�children,�asking
someone�on�a�date.
2.�Next,�draw�a�ring�around�the�comfort�zone.�In�here�is
your�growth�zone.�Write�the�things�you’d�like�to�do�but
know�they�push�you�a�little.�E.g.�going�for�a�promotion,
seeking�a�new�relationship,�going�back�to�university,�joining
a�gym.
1.�Draw�a�circle.�Inside�here�write�everything�you’re
comfortable�with.�E.g.�socialising,�doing�your�job,�skiing,
managing�your�money,�public�speaking.
Understand your zones
Page�13
2.�Break�down�panic�into�incremental�growth
1.�Combine�comfort�with�panic�to�create�growth
If�you’re�struggling�financially,�don’t�overwhelm�yourself
with�the�big�picture.�Just�start�by�planning�next�week’s
budget.
If�you’re�scared�of�going�from�an�accounting�career�to
graphic�design,�go�on�some�courses�first.
If�you’re�comfortable�at�the�gym�but�panic�on�a�first�date,
could�you�go�for�a�work�out�together?
If�public�speaking�makes�you�panic�but�socialising�is
comfortable�to�you,�how�about�doing�a�small�talk�for�those
you�socialise�with?
If�there’s�something�in�your�panic�zone�that�you�want�to
achieve�or�it’s�been�thrust�upon�you�and�you�have�to�deal
with�it,�there’s�a�couple�of�things�we�can�do.
Page�14
Get�creative,�this�is�the�art�of�getting�out�of�your�comfort
zone.�And�the�aim�is�to�grow�not�panic.
Daring To Be Uncomfortable
Daring�to�be�uncomfortable�will�take�practice.�It�isn’t�easy
to�stretch�your�limits.�There�will�be�points�where�you�want
to�give�up.�Isn’t�that�true�of� growth�or�improvement,
though?�If�it�was�easy�everyone�would�be�doing�it.�Don’t
just�settle�for�what�you�have.
any�
Don’t�just�settle�for�what�you�know�now.�Be�a�curious
person.�It’s�good�to�daydream,�it’s�even�better�to�give�your
mind�a�destination�while�it�wanders.�
Page�15
You�should�create�a�habit�out�of�learning�new�skills.�For
example,�perhaps�every�Saturday,�you�can�make�a�point�of
trying�a�new�cuisine�or�watch�a�movie�that�you�wouldn’t
normally�select.�You�can�embrace�discomfort�in�every�aspect
of�your�life.
Once�you�do�this�for�a�while,�you’ll�realize�that�you’re�doing
bigger�things�automatically.�Like,�learning�a�new�skill.�Or,
taking�a�new�class.�You�don’t�have�to�head�to�the
community�college�to�do�that�either.
There�are�plenty�of�online�options�available�and�there�are
even�free�resources�and�you�will�get�to�learn�more�about�a
subject.
Growth�is�about�taking�action.�Daily�action.�Disciplined
action.�Measured�action.�It’s�pursuing�opportunities�that
will�take�you�well�beyond�your�comfort�zone.�It�might�mean
that�you�have�to�take�one�giant�leap�into�the�unknown,�but
you�do�it�anyway.
Page�16
Stepping Outside Your ComfortZone
Have�you�noticed�how�stiff�and�tight�your�muscles�become
when�you�don’t�get�up�and�about�often�enough?�It�happens
quicker�than�you�think.�Just�a�few�hours�sitting�in�one
position�and�you’re�struggling�to�stand�up�without�clutching
at�an�area�of�pain.�Your�mind�is�the�same.�If�you�don’t
consciously�work�on�it,�then�it�will�stiffen.
You�can�avoid�this�by�exercising�it�regularly.�How�can�you
exercise�your�mind?�
Aside�from�the�obvious�learning�endeavors,�you�can�embark
on,�you�can�get�interested.�Get�interested�in�places,�people,
events,�things,�and�ideas.�Observe,�try,�question,�learn,
imagine�yourself�as�a�small�child�who�isn’t�afraid�to�explore.
Page�17
The�good�news�is�you�don’t�have�to�throw�routine�out
the�window�entirely,�you�can�start�things�off�small.�You�can
step�outside�your�comfort�zone�and�grow�by�gaining
confidence�in�different�areas�of�your�life.
You�can�grow�in�your�current�endeavor�as�well,�this�will
help�boost�your�confidence,�which�will�influence�other�areas
of�your�life.�This�is�why�it’s�good�to�grow�in�more�than�one
area�as�you�attempt�to�grow�and�develop�as�a�person.
The�comfort�zone�maintains�predictability.�You�know�exactly
what�will�happen�at�almost�every�moment�of�the�day
because�it’s�the�same�thing�that�happened�yesterday�and
the�day�before.�It’s�the�fear�you�have�of�the�unknown�that
will�keep�you�rooted�in�your�safe�space.�Yet,� is�a
mystery�until�it�happens.
everything�
You�might�expect�tomorrow�to�be�the�same�as�today,�but
absolutely�anything�could�throw�a�wrench�in�the�works.
Page�18
Your�plan�is�in�place,�but�external�circumstances�can�trip
you�up.�When�those�circumstances�trip�you�up,�you�react
with�stress�and�frustration.�Perhaps�it’s�time�to�let�go�of
expectations�and�take�measured�risks�outside�your�comfort
zone.
For�example,�when�large�brands�release�new�products,�they
don’t�do�it�all�at�once.�Fast-food�chains�try�their�new
product�in�a�few�key�locations�to�determine�how�well
received�a�product�is�before�they�do�a�nation-wide�roll-out.
You�don’t�risk�it�all�in�one�roll�of�the�dice.�However,�when
you�do�take�your�calculated�risks�you�should�only�gamble
with�things�you’re�willing�to�lose.�
You�will�lose�sometimes,�but�you�will�learn�from�your�losses
and�know�what�to�change�next�time.�That’s�exactly�what�a
fast-food�chain�does�with�a�product�roll-out.
Page�19
How�safe�do�you�play�it?�Are�you�doing�the�same�thing
you’ve�always�done?�If�so,�then�you’re�going�to�get�the
same�thing�you�always�have.�That’s�just�how�life�works.
A�risk�might�seem�like�a�long-shot,�but�when�the�chips�are
down�in�the�final�seconds�a�hail-Mary�pass�doesn’t�seem�like
such�a�bad�idea.�Does�it?�New�projects�aren’t�easy.
Changing�habits�is�difficult.�Yet,�if�you�don’t�do� at
all,�how�do�you�expect�to�achieve�what�you�want?
anything�
If�you�dislike�your�job,�there�will�be�things�you�can�and�can’t
change.�What�you�can�change�is�yourself.�You�can�improve
yourself�to�a�point�where�you�can�leave�your�position.
Or,�you�can�change�your�attitude�to�embrace�the�positives
about�your�role�and�live�with�those�annoying�asides.�The
point�is,�stepping�outside�of�your�comfort�zone,�embracing
the�discomfort�can�completely�transform�your�outlook.
Page�20
Like�I�said�before,�a�comfort�zone�is�a�place�that�many
people�spend�their�entire�lives�trying�to�establish�and
inhabit.�They�design�their�comfort�zones�around�material
items,�decor,�foods,�and�people—and�once�a�comfort�zone
is�completed,�almost�no�one�ever�wants�to�leave�it.�For
small-to-medium�businesses,�comfort�zones�can�be�deadly.
Why Comfort Zones AreBusiness Killers
Page�21
One�of�the�questions�I�frequently�ask�is,�“When�is�it�time�to
pivot�your�business�because�of�an�obstacle�in�front�of�you
vs.�staying�the�course�and�simply�moving�past�whatever�is�in
front�of�you?”�In�most�discussions,�I�tell�the�answer�can�be
found�in�three�parts:
This�may�sound�harsh,�but�it’s�for�good�reason.�Fast-growth
entrepreneurs�are�among�the�most�high-risk�people�in�the
world.�If�people�get�comfortable,�they�would�become�stale
—they�would�lose�the�edge�they�need�to�succeed�in
business.
accelerated�rates,�are�not�allowed�to�build�comfort�zones.
In�fact,�one�of�my�daily�responsibilities�as�an�consultant�and
coach,�is�to�make�sure�that�entrepreneurs�never�entertain
the�idea�of�building�a�place�that�allows�them�to�rest�on
their�laurels.
If�the�business�owners�whant�to�grow�their�companies�at
Page�22
Don’t�waste�money�and�resources�trying�to�figure�out�the
answers�to�your�problems;�countless�companies�have
already�dealt�with�similar�issues�and�documented�their
results�in�industry�publications�or�blog�posts.
,�market
trends,�and�how�events�happening�around�the�world�can
impact�your�business.�
2.�Read�everything�you�can�about�your�industry
You�must�explore�all�options�to�make�sure�you�can�choose
the�best�one�for�your�business.�
1.�Understand�that�there�rarely�is�one�answer�to�a�question.
Your�curiosity�in�turning�over�every�possible�stone�for�clues
will�greatly�increase�your�chances�for�success.��
This�information,�and�examples�of�what�other�companies
did�in�similar�situations,�will�help�entrepreneurs�determine
the�best�path�for�their�company.�
Page�23
A�curious,�well-read�entrepreneur�understands�that�a
comfort�zone�may�protect�them�from�headwinds�in�the
short-term,�but�it�will�ultimately�lead�to�the�death�of�their
company.�
3.�
,�or�you�will�know�you�can�get�around�the
obstacle�in�front�of�you�and�keep�pushing�ahead.�
If�you’re�curious�and�well-read,�then�you�will�know
whether�topivot�your�business�because�the�headwinds�are
too�strong
They�must�always�move�forward,�never�allowing�success�to
soften�their�competitive�edges�or�take�their�eyes�off�the
road�ahead.
This�knowledge�helps�reinforce�the�decision�to�never,�ever
quit.
Page�24
To�grow�both�personally�and�professionally�requires�us�to
step�out�of�our�comfort�zones,�even�if�only�slightly.�Doing
things�that�make�you�uncomfortable�can�teach�you�more
about�yourself,�your�personality�and�your�potential.�
Our�“comfort�zones”�however,�can�become�incubators�of
stasis.�While�we�might�feel�cozy�planning�our�days�around
habitual�behavior,�it�is�easy�to�fall�into�the�trap�of�staying
the�same�and�never�changing.
Particularly�for�entrepreneurs,�stasis�is�our�enemy.�If�things
aren’t�changing,�we�aren’t�growing.�If�we�and�our
businesses�aren’t�growing,�we�will�quickly�become
irrelevant.
How to Take 4 Strategic StepsOutside of Your Comfort Zone
Page�25
We�all�know�that�the�more�sales�conversations�we�have,�the
more�conversions�we’ll�make,�and�yet,�how�many�of�your
day-to-day�activities�revolve�around�having�these
conversations?�How�many�more�clients�could�you�bring�into
Taking�a�step�outside�of�your�comfort�zone�is
uncomfortable�by�definition.�Phoning�a�potential�client�or
CEO�of�a�major�corporation�can�be�daunting.�By�doing�so,
however,�you�open�yourself�and�your�business�to
opportunities�that�you�would�never�have�thought
possible.�Though�Hollywood�is�laced�with�“big�break”
stories,�the�truth�is�opportunity�presents�itself�to�those�who
go�looking�for�it.�
1.�Don’t�dive�into�the�deep�end�(until�you’re�ready).
Here�are�a�few�ways�that�you�can�step�out�of�your�comfort
zone�and�improve�your�life�and�business�in�the�process:
Page�26
Public�speaking�is�most�people’s�number�one�fear,�and�yet,
you�can’t�present�your�product�to�a�room�of�a�thousand
people�any�other�way.�You�can’t�become�a�thought�leader
without�sharing�your�thoughts�with�the�world�and�risking
criticism.
2.�What�are�you�afraid�of?
Comfort�zones�are�just�that,�comfortable.�They�are�full�of
the�things�that�make�us�feel�safe�and�are�devoid�of�things
that�we�fear.�But�we�can’t�land�that�big�client�if�we�don’t
reach�out�and�risk�rejection,�which�almost�everyone�fears.
Start�small.�Rather�than�attempting�to�making�ten�cold
calls,�how�about�making�one�call?�Or,�better�yet,�making
one�call�a�day�for�five�days?�
your�business�if�you�got�out�from�behind�your�computer�and
started�meeting�people�face-to-face?�
Page�27
Most�obstacles�that�we�have�to�overcome�in�moving�our
business�to�the�next�level�are�our�own.�It’s�not�a�person
who’s�rejecting�your�offer,�it’s�we�who�talk�about�ourselves.
Yes,�the�person�may�reject�our�offer,�but�we’ll�never�know
unless�we�step�out�of�our�comfort�zone�and�initiate�the�call.
So�ask�yourself�this�question,�“What�am�I�afraid�of?�What’s
the�worst�that�can�happen?”�As�you�realize�that�the�worst�is
survivable,�and�most�likely�improbable,�you�gain�will
courage�to�take�the�necessary�risks�to�move�your�business
forward.
3.�Get�out�of�your�own�way.
Most�things�that�we’re�afraid�of�--�rejection,�criticism,
failure�--�are�not�as�terrible�as�we�make�them�out�to�be.
We’ve�all�been�rejected�and�criticized,�and�we’ve�all�failed�at
one�time�or�another.�And,�we�lived�to�tell�the�tale.�Most�of
our�fears�have�no�real-life�danger�attached�to�them.
Page�28
Step�out�of�your�comfort�zone�and�confront�your�fears
regularly.�
“Big�breaks”�rarely�come�knocking�on�our�door.�Rather,�we
have�to�get�out�of�our�comfort�zones�to�meet�them.
4.�Repetition,�repetition,�repetition.
If�your�business�idol�will�be�in�the�same�room�as�you,�don’t
talk�yourself�out�of�introducing�yourself.�Make�the
connection.�
Each�time�you�step�a�little�outside�of�your�comfort�zone,
you�are�training�yourself�to�be�comfortable�with�discomfort,
much�in�the�same�way�as�you�train�a�muscle�group�at�the
gym.
Or�even�better,�if�you�know�ahead�of�time�he�will�be�at�that
event,�plan�what�you�will�say�to�get�and�maintain�his
attention.
Page�29
As�you�become�increasingly�more�comfortable�with�the
discomfort,�you’ll�find�you�have�turned�your�old�discomfort
into�a�new�comfort�zone.�
When�this�happens,�step�outside�again,�a�little�at�a�time�and
train�the�next�comfort�zone.�You’ll�find�yourself�getting
closer�to�your�goals�as�you�develop�new�comfort�zones
along�the�way.
Page�30
In�order�to�be�comfortable�exploring�growth,�you�have�to
first�dare�to�be�uncomfortable.�The�simple�fact�of�the
matter�is,�you�will�never�know�exactly�what�you�are�capable
of�if�you�don’t�push�yourself�to�try.�For�example,�a�teenager
has�dreams�of�being�a�writer.
Embracing Discomfort
Page�31
If�they�do�well�and�advance�even�further,�they�can�make�a
comfortable�living.�It’s�a�job,�though,�not�the�career�path
they�had�imagined�for�themselves.�
There�is�a�clear�path�to�work�one’s�way�up�the�ladder�to
then�secure�a�management�position.�The�pay�is�fine,�it’s
enough�to�live�and�have�a�bit�of�fun.
It�seems�like�a�far-fetched�idea,�and�as�they�settle�into�their
first�job�working�at�the�local�supermarket,�they�realize�how
comfortable�and�easy�it�is.�
Of�course,�the�work�isn’t� �It’s�always�challenging�when
you’re�in�a�position�that�requires�you�to�manage�the
expectations�of�others.�The�point�is,�they’re�in�the�position
now.
easy.
It�starts�off�just�fine.�As�the�years�pass,�and�this�teenager
becomes�an�adult�and�does�indeed�advance�in�their�career,
they�grow�more�jaded.
Page�32
Of�course,�a�change�of�career�is�a�big�one.�That’s�something
you�might�have�to�work�up�to.�But�it’s�important�that�you
understand�you� .�Some�people�choose�to�make�small
changes�in�their�personal�life�to�allow�them�the�time�to
pursue�a�new�career.
can
They�chose�the�comfortable�path�and�will�always�wonder
what�could�have�been.�It�isn’t�too�late�for�them�to�break�out
of�the�retail�chains�and�try�their�hand�at�being�a�writer.�It’s
never�too�late�to�make�a�change.
They�didn’t�even� �to�become�a�writer.�This�person�will
never�know�if�they�could�have�achieved�their�dream�because
they�didn’t�even�try.�
try
They�took�the�easy�option�at�the�time,�the�comfortable
choice.�Yet,�they�still�long�for�that�writing�dream�they
always�had.
Page�33
We�also�touched�on�there�being�aspects�of�your�job�you�can
and�can’t�change.
We�already�highlighted�the�career�aspect.�However,�it’s�a
big�enough�point�to�raise�here.�We�used�the�example�of�the
teenager�choosing�what�they�perceived�to�be�the
comfortable�path.�
They�can�still�work�the�job�they�have�to�mitigate�the
financial�risk,�but�they�do�it.�This�will�all�depend�on�what
dreams�you�hold.�Regardless,�in�any�situation,�you�have�to
dare�to�be�uncomfortable.�Let’s�look�at�some�of�the�ways
that�you�can�dare�to�be�uncomfortable,�from�little�too�large.
Careers & Passions
Page�34
However,�isn’t�the�idea�of�never�knowing�what�you’re
capable�of�more�uncomfortable?
Not�everyone�can�be�ecstatic�about�their�career.�That
person�who�chose�a�career�in�retail�can�still�pursue�writing
without�throwing�their�career�away.�It’s�something�they�can
do�on�their�side�as�a�passion�project.�How�is�that
uncomfortable?
Well,�to�pursue�a�passion�project�you�are�going�to�have�to
sacrifice�time�you�spend�elsewhere.�Each�evening�(or
morning),�you�will�schedule�time�to�pursue�that�passion
project.�That�means�letting�go�of�extra�television�time.�Or,
whatever�way�you�often�waste�time.�The�process�of�settling
into�a�new�habit�can�be�an�uncomfortable�one.
Page�35
It’s�nice�to�have�a�friend�group,�but�it’s�even�better�to�grow
it.�New�people�bring�new�ideas�and�that�can�be�challenging.
There�is�growth�in�expanding�your�social�circle�and�pushing
yourself�outside�your�comfort�zone.
Challenge The Status Quo
This�is�a�small�step�outside�of�your�comfort�zone,�but�to�be
people�who�don’t�typically�put�themselves�out�there�it�can
feel�like�a�major�step.�Challenge�yourself�to�attend�the
conference�or�to�say�yes�to�coffee.�We�often�limit�ourselves
in�social�situations�because�we�just�can’t�picture�ourselves�in
that�position.
Social Situations
Page�36
Put�together�some�notes�on�why�you�believe�you�deserve
what�you’re�asking�for,�be�prepared�to�“argue”�your�point,
and�schedule�a�meeting�with�your�boss.�If�you�don’t�ask�for
it,�you�will�never�get�it.�So,�go�ask�for�what’s�yours!�Even�if
your�boss�says�no,�there’s�a�good�chance�you’ll�plant�a�seed
in�their�mind�for�later.
We’ve�already�discussed�work�a�lot,�but�this�one�is�a�little
different.�You�can�dare�yourself�to�be�uncomfortable�by
asking�for�the�raise�(or�promotion)�you�feel�you�deserve.
Go On An Adventure
Go�see�a�movie�by�yourself.�Book�a�table�for�one�in�a
restaurant�you�have�been�desperate�to�try.�What�type�of
adventure�would�you�love�to�do,�but�you�have�never�done�it
because�no�one�else�will�come�with�you?�Just�do�it!�Enjoy
the�adventure�on�your�own.
Page�37
Travel
Nothing�will�feel�more�exhilarating.
What’s�stopping�you?�Discomfort.
It’s�time�to�dare�yourself�to�be�uncomfortable.�It’s�also�the
perfect�opportunity�to�enjoy�bonding�time�with�yourself.
You’ll�learn�a�lot�about�yourself�when�you�do�solo�activities.
This�is�similar�to�the�last�point,�but�it’s�about�furthering�your
knowledge�also.�It’s�amazing�what�you�can�learn�when�you
step�outside�the�comfort�zone�of�your�region.�
Go�visit�another�country,�visit�a�state�that’s�completely
different�to�yours.�
Page�38
If�you�hate�seafood,�try�ceviche�in�Mexico.�Have�that
crawfish�boil�in�Louisiana.�Are�you�unsure�of�strange�cuts�of
meat?�Have�the�pork�cheeks,�try�the�oxtail,�just�do�it!�It
might�seem�like�a�little�thing,�but�by�trying�new�things�you
are�challenging�yourself�to�learn�as�a�person.�
You�might�find�out�you�still�don’t�like�them,�“but�did�you
die?”
Learn�about�the�locals,�their�industry,�their�culture,�and
challenge�yourself�to�try�a�food�you�would�never�normally
try.
Page�39
Of�course,�this�can�be�applied�in�other�areas�of�your�life.
What�roles�do�you�fill?�How�can�you�cast�yourself�in�a
different�role�and�challenge�yourself�to�grow�as�a�person?
Think�about�your�roles�in�terms�of�family,�work,�and�socially.
You’d�surprised�at�what�you�learn�about�yourself�when�you
cast�yourself�in�a�different�role.
Do�you�prefer�being�a�guest�to�being�a�host?�Push�yourself
out�of�your�comfort�zone�by�playing�the�host�for�an
evening.�Cook�dinner,�prepare�the�entertainment,�and�invite
a�handful�of�people�over.�
Be a host
How�can�you�force�yourself�outside�of�your�comfort�zone?�
You�don’t�have�to�be�content�with�the�role�in�which�you
were�cast�just�because�you’ve�grown�comfortable�in�it.�
Page�40
Finally,�join�a�class.�You�can�tackle�a�brand-new�subject�or
learn�more�about�something�you’re�passionate�about.�And,
at�the�same�time�enjoy�the�social�aspect�of�it.�Even�if�you
choose�a�free�online�course,�other�people�taking�it�will
engage�you�in�the�comments�section.
Join a class
You�will�have�your�point�of�view�challenged,�your�mind
expanded,�and�you�will�grow�as�a�person.�
If�you�do�opt�for�the�free�online�route,�you�can�choose
subjects�that�you�know�nothing�about�and�perhaps�find�a
new�passion.�You�never�know,�you�might�just�uncover�the
passion�that�changes�your�life�entirely.�You’ll�never�know�if
you�never�grow.
Page�41
Business Benefits of LeapingOutside Your Comfort Zone
Once�you’ve�settled�into�your�entrepreneurial�role,�you
might�start�getting�comfortable�with�the�status�quo.
As�a�passionate�entrepreneur,�you�want�your�business�to
succeed.�And�your�business�success�boils�down�to�one�very
critical�question:�Are�you�willing�to�push�the�envelope?
Page�42
Innovation�keeps�your�business�on�its�toes.�Constantly
churning�out�creative�ideas,�strategies,�and�offerings�keeps
customers�enthralled,�makes�you�stand�out�to�lenders�and
investors,�and�repels�your�competitors�from�closing�in�on
you.
Step�outside�of�your�comfort�zone�to�develop�and�pursue
innovative�paths.
Doing�the�same�activity�day�after�day�can�be�monotonous.
Failing�to�change�things�up�in�your�business�can�be�a�death
sentence�for�your�company.
Check�out�these�six�benefits�of�stepping�outside�your
comfort�zone�in�business.
1. You give innovation the boost it needs
Page�43
Stepping�out�of�your�comfort�zone�can�boost�business
innovation�and�propel�your�business�forward.�From�your
marketing�strategy�to�your�sales�initiatives,�be�willing�to
step�outside�your�comfort�zone�and�pursue�alternative
routes.
But�what�if�switching�up�your�strategy�costs�you�customers?
What�if�your�small�business�revenue�plummets�when�you�try
out�a�new�approach?�What�if�…
…�What�if�it�works?
It’s�easy�to�follow�the�same�tried�and�true�method�that
works�for�your�business.�But�before�you�get�too
comfortable,�recognize�that�nothing�lasts�forever.�A
business�strategy�might�work�for�you�now,�but�the�market�is
always�changing.
Page�44
Of�course,�you�should�do�a�business�risk�analysis�before
charging�blindly�towards�a�significant�new�goal.�For
example,�don’t�step�outside�of�your�comfort�zone�by
expanding�your�company�without�research.
3. You may receive a valuable lesson in humility
unknown�fear,�it’s�time�to�step�outside�your�comfort�zone.
Stepping�outside�of�your�comfort�zone�can�help�you�grow
both�in�your�personal�and�professional�roles.
2. You can grow both personally and
professionally
How�do�you�know�you’ve�become�stagnant?�Many�business
owners�and�their�startups�become�stagnant�when�they�fail
to�pursue�growth.�If�you’re�limiting�growth�in�lieu�of�an
Page�45
Stepping�outside�of�your�comfort�zone�reminds�you�that
there�is�much�more�to�learn�and�more�work�to�be�done�in
your�small�business.
You�can’t�grow�your�business�all�on�your�own—you�need
help�from�your�employees,�feedback�from�your�customers,
and�advice�from�your�mentors.
Believing�in�yourself�is�critical�to�your�business’s�success.
Having�a�big�ego�is�not.
It’s�easy�to�look�at�what�you�have�accomplished�and�take
pride�in�your�work.�But�if�you�aren’t�careful,�too�much�pride
can�turn�into�arrogance.�
And�arrogance�may�cause�you�to�become�closed�off�to
others’�suggestions�and�opinions.
Page�46
So�if�you�want�to�keep�your�ego�in�check,�try�something
new.�Rarely�do�people�excel�when�they’re�trying�something
they’re�not�used�to�(with�the�exception�of�beginner’s�luck).
If�you�fail�when�stepping�outside�your�comfort�zone,
remember�that�it’s�not�the�end�of�the�world.�Instead,�look
at�the�failure�as�a�learning�opportunity.
Don’t�stunt�your�business’s�success�by�thinking�you�have�all
the�answers.�Value�what�others�say�and�remember�that
you’re�always�learning�in�entrepreneurship.
Page�47
In�business,�don’t�just�leap�outside�of�your�comfort�zone�for
your�business’s�health—do�it�for�your�health,�too.
Traveling�to�new�places,�trying�new�foods,�and�experiencing
new�adventures�all�require�you�to�step�outside�of�your
comfort�zone.�And�I�think�most�people�would�agree�that
these�are�pretty�fun�activities.
4. You might just have fun
Page�48
5. You become better equipped to handle the
unexpected
Raise�your�hand�if�you�take�the�same�vehicle�to�work�every
day.
Refusing�to�try�new�things�can�become�mundane.�And
when�you’re�an�entrepreneur�putting�at�least�40�hours�of
work�into�your�business�each�week,�getting�caught�in�the
rat�race�can�take�its�toll.
Try�something�new�in�your�business.�Chances�are,�you�just
might�have�fun�with�it.�And�in�addition�to�having�fun,
stepping�outside�your�comfort�zone�can�make�you�proud
(which�is�always�fun,�too).
Page�49
If�you�step�outside�your�comfort�zone,�you�familiarize
yourself�with�new�experiences.�You�become�more
adaptable.
When�you’re�used�to�changing�things�up,�handling�business
setbacks�won’t�be�a�big�deal.�And�setbacks�happen�all�the
time�in�business.�You�better�not�get�too�comfy,�my�friends.
One�day,�your�car�breaks�down.�You�glance�over�at�your
rusty�old�bike,�but�the�wheels�are�flat.�You’re�not�exactly
prepared�to�handle�the�unexpected�car�malfunction,�are
you?
When�the�weather’s�nice,�I�like�to�ride�my�bike�to�work.�At
first,�it�was�a�nice�way�to�step�outside�of�my�comfort�zone.
Now,�it�provides�an�alternative�option�in�case�the
unexpected�happens�with�my�car.
Voluntarily�doing�things�outside�your�comfort�zone�prepares
you�for�scenarios�when�you�are�forced�to�do�things�you
wouldn’t�normally�do.
Page�50
Step�outside�of�your�comfort�zone�to�widen�your�circle�of
contacts.�Doing�so�can�open�the�door�to�invaluable�advice,
partnerships,�and�relationships.
So,�push�yourself�to�attend�that�trade�show.�Speak�at�the
business�conference.�Reach�out�to�a�neighboring�business
owner.�Doing�things�out�of�the�ordinary�can�help�you
develop�long-lasting�relationships�that�further�your
business.
6. You can make amazing contacts
You’ve�heard�the�saying,�It’s�all�about�who�you�know.�While
I�don’t�put�all�my�stock�into�this�saying,�I�do�think�there�is�a
lot�of�truth�to�it.�Whether�it’s�your�family,�business�mentors,
investors,�or�customers,�the�people�you�know�impact�your
business.
Page�51
Conclusions
I�wrote�this�ebook�because�I�want�you�to�understand�that
when�you�leave�your�comfort�zone,�you�may�discover�your
next�great�idea�and�think�of�new�and�incredible�ways�to
grow�your�business.
Whatever�your�situation�or�familiar�comfort�zone,�there’s�a
lot�to�be�said�for�challenging�yourself.
Page�52
So,�take�massive�action.�Don’t�be�afraid�to�face�your�fears,
have�courage�and�face�them�head�on.�Make�a�promise�to
yourself�right�now�to�always�strive�to�achieve�your�ultimate
goals�and�don’t�settle�for�the�next�best�thing.�Choose�one
As�you�can�see,�the�real�challenge�of�successful
entrepreneurs�is�having�the�right�psychological�mindset.
Having�the�courage�to�face�your�fears�and�do�the�things
that�you�never�thought�you�could�do.
Don’t�let�your�addiction�to�the�comfort�zone�cripple�you�or
prevent�your�business�from�ever�moving�forward.�Don’t
become�a�business�statistic�for�staying�in�a�rut�of�familiarity.
Be�brave,�venture�forth�and�face�new�challenges,�despite
your�fears.�As�the�saying�goes,�“Feel�the�fear�and�do�it
anyway.”
Page�53
Do�something�today�that’s�outside�your�comfort�zone�and
join�for�free�the�session�I�am�holding�with�TopClub
entrepreneurs�this�week.
You�will�find�it�very�useful�and�I’m�sure�it�will�push�you�a�bit
from�your�comfort�zone.
For�sign�up�click�here:�https://topclub.ro/live/
thing�you’re�going�to�do�right�now�and�make�today�the�day
that�you’ll�move�out�of�your�comfort�zone