How to Actually Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone

I love my comfort zone– leaving it makes me queasy. For better or for worse, though, it’s necessary for growth. Maxie and I have both supported each other (and been there for each other) as we ventured outside of our comfort zones. If you’re ready for a change or need a little push to get yourself to your next level, Maxie’s tips can help get you there.

Talk about a Maxie Monday Motivation.

It sounds so cliche that “magic happens outside of your comfort zone” – but it’s so freaking true. Sometimes I wish it wasn’t, because it’d be a lot easier to go after the things you wanted. Getting uncomfortable sounds all normal and necessary… until you’re in it. And then it just feels like freaking out, total anxiety, lots of tears and many “why am I doing this to begin with” moments.

Getting uncomfortable in life literally applies to every single thing you might want. Every goal. Every desire. Every wish. Every significant new opportunity – it’ll require you to be uncomfortable to get it. From new relationships to new jobs to travel to important conversations to learning new skills– discomfort is a MAIN ingredient for success.

I believe in this life truth so much that I often audit my life for where I’m getting too comfortable. Have I been scared lately? Have I been nervous this month? Have I been uncomfortable? Because if I haven’t, I’m probably not pushing myself to expand and grow as much, I could be.

So HOW do you actually go about stepping outside your comfort zone when it’s so much nicer inside of it? A few of my favorites ways:

Pick Something You Really Want
If you want something bad enough, you’ll handle a lot to get it. So if you’re new to this whole “getting uncomfortable” thing, set your focus on something that’s totally worth it. Having a reason that’s bigger than ourselves, a north star if you will, will keep you going even when discomfort feels just that – uncomfortable.

Tiptoe Out of Your Zone
Try getting uncomfortable with some little things first. If you’ve always wanted to start a blog but have been too scared to let anyone read a thing you’ve written, tiptoe out of your comfort zone by writing one post for someone else’s site and sharing it around. Getting comfortable with the small discomforts will allow you to handle more and more.

Seriously… Use Sticky Notes
In my most uncomfortable time periods – where I was making massive changes or life decisions – I would always write little pep talks for myself on sticky notes and put them on my desk and my mirrors. It helps ground you. That even when you’re uncomfortable, you’re reminded that you’re awesome and can absolutely do this. So, get to writing yourself some sticky note pep talks!

Get Uncomfortable with a Partner in Crime
Discomfort loves company. There’re many things I don’t think I would have ever accomplished without really good friends to push me through my own discomfort. From jumping off a waterfall to surfing down a sand dune, I’ve made it through a lot of exhilarating moments because I had one of my best friends by my side. So if you’ve wanted to sign up for that improv class or try that scary new workout class, get a friend to get uncomfortable with you.

Reframe Discomfort as a GOOD Thing
One of the best weapons to actually get out of your comfort zone is to reframe discomfort as a really good thing. Whenever you start to feel a little scared, remind yourself that this discomfort you’re feeling means that you’re onto something, and you’re one step closer to the magic. Reframing your thoughts in this way will be one of the most important things you can do to actually get out of your comfort zone.

Above all remember, once you step out of your comfort zone and get through it – you’ll be encouraged to keep doing it more and more. You may even learn to like it because it’ll help build so much confidence that you CAN get through anything and take meaningful steps closer to your dreams.

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