How to step out of your comfort zone

4–6 minutes

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What are you avoiding that you know could be good for you, simply because it feels uncomfortable? Stepping outside of your comfort zone can feel daunting, but it’s often where the magic happens.

I’ve chosen to test the process by creating my first YouTube video. It’s less than perfect but for me this is progress and I actually really enjoyed every awkward second of it.

I’ve created a workbook to help you uncover what’s truly holding you back, challenge those barriers, and take real, actionable steps toward your goals or overcoming challenges.

Ready? It doesn’t matter it’s time to dive in! Growth begins where your comfort zone ends. You don’t have to do it perfectly, you just have to start.

Here’s a visualisation to get you warmed up. Not your thing? Skip to Step 1.

Root chakra visualisation to release fear and ground your energy.

1. Start with your what and why


Before diving in, reflect on where you’ve been playing it safe and why you want to change. Your “why” is the fuel that keeps you moving forward when things get tough.

  • Ask Yourself:
    • What you want to change
    • What you want to stop or start doing?
    • Why does this matter to me?
    • What will my life look like if I take this step?
    • What might it look like if I don’t?

Your “why” will give you purpose and help you focus on the benefits waiting on the other side of discomfort.

2. Identify Your Barriers

Before moving forward, take a moment to recognise what’s holding you back. Barriers might be physical, such as a lack of money or resources, or behavioural, like procrastination, avoidance, or distractions often fuelled by emotions like fear or worry.

  • Visualise Your Barriers: Think of your excuses as bricks in a wall. Each distraction—like waiting for the perfect lighting or more practice—adds another brick to that wall. To break through, identify and remove those bricks one by one.
  • Ask Yourself:
    • What am I avoiding?
    • What am I distracting myself with?
  • Example: For me, procrastination often takes the form of overthinking or unnecessary tasks. I once spent hours making a hand-drawn sign instead of simply starting my project. It was easier to focus on distractions than face the discomfort of the real step forward.

3. Start Small

Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them down into smaller steps. The easier Step 1 is, the more likely you are to build momentum and move on to Step 2 and beyond.

  • Example: My first small step was brainstorming ideas and committing to write for just 10 minutes. Then, I set up a recording space and charged my kit. Tackling it bit by bit made the process much easier.
  • Action Tip: Identify one small, actionable step you can take today to move closer to your goal.

4. Get clear with your intention

Writing a commitment statement gives you purpose and helps you stay focused.

  • Ask Yourself:
    • What impact will this step have on my life?
    • What do I hope to learn or achieve by doing this?
  • Example: “I want to step out of my comfort zone by creating a video blog, so that I can build my confidence and grow my business.”

5. Create Accountability

Sharing your plan or setting a deadline can keep you on track.

  • Example: I committed to publishing this blog by the end of the year and told others about it. Knowing I had a deadline helped me stay focused.
  • Action Tip: Share your goal with someone you trust or set a clear deadline to hold yourself accountable.

6. Challenge Your Inner Critic

When doubts creep in, challenge them.

  • Reframe Your Thoughts: Instead of asking, “What if I fail?” try asking, “What if this works out better than I expect?”
  • Weigh the Options:
    • Worst Case: Staying stuck, playing it safe, and feeling frustrated.
    • Best Case: Gaining confidence, building experience, and moving closer to your goals.
  • Example: For me, the choice became clear when I focused on the best-case scenario. It gave me the push I needed.

7. Take action before you are ready

Don’t wait for perfection; it will only lead to procrastination. Focus on making progress instead.

  • Example: From my research, I learned that most bloggers and vloggers felt their first attempts were “a bit rubbish,” but they improved with practice. This blog isn’t flawless, but it’s done—and that’s what matters.
  • Action Tip: Commit to taking one imperfect step today. Remember, done is better than perfect.

8. Celebrate Small Wins

Recognise and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small.

  • Example: Completing this blog is a win for me. It aligns with my values as a coach and person while gaining experience I can use to support others in the future.
  • Action Tip: Treat yourself to something meaningful when you hit a milestone—whether it’s journaling about your progress or enjoying a favourite treat.

Reflecting on your experience

Reflect on your journey.

  • How did it feel to step out of your comfort zone?
  • What have you learned about yourself in the process?
  • What will you do next to keep moving forward?

Free PDF Download: Step out of your comfort zone workbook

To help you take action, I’ve created a free workbook so you can follow these steps in your own words.

DOWNLOAD YOUR WORKBOOK

Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear about your journey!

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