How Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone Can Lead to Career Success

It’s quite easy to become comfortable in what we do and how we do things. We love following a routine and being around things that are familiar. Because of the safety and security we feel, many of us would rather keep things the way they are rather than explore and step out of our comfort zones. 

Unfortunately, life in the comfort zone means that we can miss out on growth opportunities. When we step out of our comfort zone, however, we can become more creative, more productive, and discover new challenges for which we can learn new solutions.

Stepping out of your comfort zone

While the great unknown can be nerve-wracking, it can make you substantially more confident. You will finally be able to test your abilities and learn a wide range of exciting skills. In this way, we become more productive as individuals, and our self-value increases tremendously as a result. 

When we initially step out of our comfort zone, there will be anxiety and uncertainty. New environments may be full of difficulties, but as you start to deal with those issues, you will begin to learn how capable you truly are and you will become more confident.

When we try out new things, we become more resilient — boosting our inner strength. This can motivate us tremendously because we know what we’re made of! It will make us hungry to learn more and to taste the exhilaration of success again. When we approach changes intelligently and with objectivity, we eventually learn that we can accomplish anything.

Be in control

When you finally leave that path of least resistance (a.k.a your comfort zone), you take more control of your life. When you learn how much you can actually do, you become a more self-fulfilled and self-sufficient person. 

We get to work and live according to our own rules, aiming for our own objectives and dreams! Regularly leaving your comfort zone in big and small ways is an excellent way to prepare yourself for a successful career. 

If you don’t think you’re capable, then you may turn down that dream job or not go out for a promotion because it’s unfamiliar. But, when you’re used to the unfamiliar, you become willing to take those risks because the unknown has become your comfort zone. Way to flip the script! 

Become an inspiration for others

One of the best ways to distinguish ourselves from the crowd and inspire and motivate others is to become a role model. The reality is that whatever we do is always noticed by those around us – for better or worse. Someone is always watching.

When you work with confidence, integrity, and a willingness to be vulnerable and try new things, you inspire others to do the same. Your actions can give others the courage to step out and to trust their own creativity. This is especially critical in managerial roles. If you’re building a team, you have to lead from the top. 

An authentic identity

Many don’t want to leave their comfort zones for fear that they might jeopardize everything that they have built — their name, career, and the respect others give them. Sure, being reliable and respected in your field is no small feat. But you can be all these things without being stuck.

Consider this: when you take on a new challenge, act with objectivity, and develop the skill to overcome it, then you are becoming more authentic in your leadership role. That kind of accomplishment is impossible when we continue doing the same things we always do.

There is nothing wrong with staying in your comfort zone. However, if you believe that you have greater potential, the only way to test that assumption is to step out of our comfort zone. Conquer the next challenge in our path. It can prepare us for our next opportunity and make us more resilient for the unknowns which inevitably come our way.

 What next step will you choose to take?