We all find ourselves in a personal comfort zone at one point in our lives. Comfort zones provide us with control and predictability. It could be due to the fear of taking on a new challenge, wanting to eat the same breakfast every morning, feeling uncomfortable socializing or not willing to see things in a new way.
Humans are creatures of habit and it’s easy to get stuck in a routine. But being too comfortable can actually hinder your success, especially in a business environment.
“There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud.” — Carl Sandburg
Why We Cling to Our Comfort Zones
Your comfort zone consists of the places, people, habits and things that are familiar to you. According to Dr. Tim Crowley, “there is actually science behind why we stay put in a place of comfort and routine. Human beings benefit physically from the behavioral state where activities and expectations fit a pattern of predictability. Stress levels and anxiety, cortisol levels, and blood pressure, are reduced, and there is a certain degree of security in your comfort zone, which increases your sense of calm, happiness, and safety. There are no surprises, but neither is there the fear that comes with risk.”
However, staying inside your comfort zone could be the reason you’re not getting the results you’ve wanted and expected.
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
There’s very little chaos staying in our comfort zones, but if you stay put, nothing changes and you grow stagnate.
The magic happens once you get out of your comfort zone and embrace the uncertainty that life brings.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.” – Abraham Maslow
Start Small
In order to get out of your comfort zone, you don’t have to throw your entire routine out the window. Instead, take small baby steps. Try working in a new location or taking a different route to work. These small steps will help ease you into the possible discomfort of trying something new and taking on those bigger challenges.
Seek Out a Challenge
Doing something challenging will provide you with an entirely fresh outlook that will make you more receptive to change. For example, signing up to take a class you’ve been interested in or hosting a workshop for your business.
What is Your “Why”?
Create a mission statement that states why you’re making moves to get out of your comfort zone. If you feel overwhelmed or stressed out, establishing your “why” can lower any anxiety and make it easier to stay focused and accomplish the task at hand.
But wait…there’s more!
Here are 4 more simple tips from agencybloc to help you get out of your comfort zone:
- Look at the big picture
- Evaluate your skills
- Review your backend
- Get in front of new prospects
Ask yourself what has been holding you back?
Don’t be trapped in the comfort zone. It’s time to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and overcome this fear of not leaving your bubble. Stepping out of your zone will bring many benefits that will empower and liberate you.
Pivot Your Insurance Agency Towards Sustainable Growth Are you an insurance agent who feels that your agency is stuck? Is your team grinding new leads each month yet your agency never seems to grow? Client Focus has worked with thousands of agents over the past 15 years just like you. Our purpose is to help your insurance agency pivot onto a path to sustainable growth.
References: http://www.paradisopresents.com/escaping-your-comfort-zone/, https://www.agencybloc.com/resources/grow-your-agency/selling/how-to-ditch-your-selling-comfort-zone--why/, https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/7-things-need-know-getting-comfort-zone/, https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/251594
