It seems as if it is human nature to focus on the negatives involved when we look at expanding our comfort zone. Sometimes I believe that the cost of not expanding our comfort zone far outweighs the perceived negatives of taking that leap of faith.
What does your comfort zone look like in the different dimensions of your life? Think about your career, tasks that you perform, your relationships, your financial situation, your health. Are you happy and/or satisfied? If not it may be an indication that you are at the perfect stage in your life to take a risk, to grow and develop, resulting in happiness and the reward of being able to say, “YES, I can do it.”
What does the word RISK mean to you?
…Being exposed to the possibility of a bad outcome
OR
…Being exposed to the possibility of conquering a fear, boosting your self-esteem, learning something new and personal development
Expanding your comfort zone one risk at a time
If you are at a point in your life where the discomfort of your ‘comfort zone’ has compelled you in the direction of taking a risk here are 4 steps to work through to help you grow.
Look through the risk
Often when you focus on the risk itself it can be overwhelming and evoke fear. Consider visualising the outcome. What will it look like? What will it feel like? List the direct benefits to you and possibly others in your life. What will you be able to do, say and/or be once you have taken the risk?
Recognise the obstacles
It is the obstacles that stop us from taking the first step. As soon as we think of the risk our minds go to all the things that are stopping us, all the things that make this risk impossible, all the things that could do wrong. List all the obstacles and start thinking of solutions. Talk to people who care about you. Ask them to help you come up with ideas and ways to get around these negatives. This will put your mind at rest and as soon as you think of the obstacle the solution will take its place.
Also ask yourself the probability of things going wrong. If you think about it, how many of your fears have actually materialised?
START
Take the first step!
What is your ist risk?
What is the first step to achieving that risk?
Enjoy the ride
Keep reminding yourself that this is a journey and there may be a few bumps along the way. Be open to new ideas, new thoughts, new experiences and remember that it is not always about the outcome but also about the lessons learnt along the way.
The risks of yesterday become the habits of tomorrow. As you achieve one risk at a time you realise that YOU can do it. The confidence found from taking a small risk every day will offer you the reward of personal development and growth.
“If we are growing we are always going to be outside our comfort zone.”
John C Maxwell
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
TS Elliot
“Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves.”
Walter Anderson
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