Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone
It has been a while since I published a mobile freelancing post. The reason being is that I actually fell off my carefully planned mobile freelancing wagon after I returned from our cruise. You probably know the feeling of trying to implement a new idea only to fail miserably when it comes to the execution stage. Well, as it happens my plan on outing myself a couple of times each week has miserably failed so far.
I suppose it is easier to just stay at home and keep working. However, going out and venturing into new territories is important for our well being if not our soul as I have come to realize once again today.
I managed to pack my laptop and some water, grab my scooter and work for a few blissful hours right at the beach. Nobody distracted my work. No birds, no husband and no phone calls. I got more work done than if I had stayed at home trying to accomplish the same tasks.
Why you need to beat your comfort zone
Getting some much needed sunshine onto me was worth the trip by itself. This led me to think about how we get stuck in our own world so easily. Interesting enough it doesn’t take much effort to step out of our own comfort zone. We get so complacent with what we do each and every day.
The trouble is that once we are comfortable in our environment it takes something else to shake us out of our comfort zone which means we never do the things we really want to because it requires us to step out of our comfort zone.
Therefore it is essential for your well-being to get out of a rut and into something new. You will feel a renewed sense of happiness by doing so.
Humans are animals of learned behavior
Since we are animals of learned behavior we have to un-learn our self-imposed comfort zones. It isn’t healthy to keep doing the same thing day in and day out. Eventually our mind becomes dull because there is no stimulation, no nourishment, and regardless how much we love our job or our business, we need to step out of our comfort zone every now and then.
It helps us to stay excited about what we do and in the process we learn a thing or two about life in general.
How you can step out of your own comfort zone
Stepping out of your comfort zone requires one thing only from you; the first step! It’s a bit like trying to start something fresh like a business for example. Unless you take the first step nothing will ever happen.
Think of ways in which you can get uncomfortable on purpose. If you always sit at the same table while eating lunch dare yourself to change seats today. Or if you consistently drive the same route to work, choose a different route today.
The benefits of mixing your behavior
There really are only benefits to changing your routine from time to time. Life is once again exciting and full of adventure and you’ll see new things. Things you weren’t even aware they existed until that moment.
Follow me while I get uncomfortable from time to time and move my body outdoors into the sunshine rather than wasting away in my office.
I challenge you.
Monika
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
LIs Sowerbutts | Mar 31, 2009 | Reply
One of things I love about working for myself is that I can mix it up a bit – if the focus isn’t there, I can go shopping or down the beach and work later.
Monika | Apr 1, 2009 | Reply
@ Lis: Exactly, I’m with you on that. I love the freedom my business gives me. While I still have to keep on top of my work load I still value the freedom of choice I have on a day to day basis.
Cath Lawson | Apr 3, 2009 | Reply
Hi Monika – As much as I know I shouldn’t do it, I am one of the world’s worst people for not pushing myself out of my comfort zone often enough.
I’ll be doing well for a while – then I’ll slip into my safe old ways again, rarely challenging myself at all.
This post is a good reminder that even small changes can have positive effects and encourage you to push yourself further.
By the way – I forget to let you know straight away but I loved your free ebook. I’m going to mention it in an upcoming post.
Steve Errey - The Confidence Guy | Apr 4, 2009 | Reply
Love this post Monika, because it hits the nail on the head. It’s so easy to fall into those patterns and not even notice that ‘dulling’ happen isn’t it?
“Nourishment” is one of my favourite words, and it’s got to be a priority.
All you’ve got to do is notice yourself falling into that groove then go do something that nourished your head, heart or body.
Monika | Apr 4, 2009 | Reply
@ Cath: Yes I know what you mean because i do fall into the same behavior occasionally. The trouble is, it is a lot easier to fall into it then getting back out again. We have all these self imposed limitations that stop us from achieving what we are really worth, it makes me sick just thinking about it.
Thank you very much for the ebook feedback. I appreciate your input and am glad you were able to take some value from it.
Monika | Apr 4, 2009 | Reply
@ Steve: Well said! You are right, often I don’t even realize that I’m dulling myself – as you so nicely said it – until I stop and analyze why I’m so cranky in those moments. LOL. Often it is because I have failed to nourish myself on emotional and physical levels altogether.