Growth happens outside of YOUR comfort zone

Growth happens for you outside of your comfort zone, and I would go as far as to say, always.

You see, while the comfort zone is safe, it is anything but comfortable. Instead, it’s where you stay busy and your attention on the tasks you already know how to do, which stops you from progressing in your business. This can lead to missed income goals, procrastination on essential projects, and neglecting tasks that will positively impact your business. And I speak from personal experience here.

Growth comes from:

1. Trying new things, perhaps full of fear, but doing it anyway.
2. Doing what you fear most with courage and learning from the experience.
3. Expanding into what is possible with excitement and, again, a little fear.
4. Saying, ‘fu*k it, I’m going to do this anyway’.
5. From staying in your lane, focused on the end goal.
6. Not comparing yourself to the competition, and see number five above.
7. Yelling, ‘I’m all in, and I’m going to do this’.

Fear came up many times in that list because it is most likely fear of what might happen, might not happen – what others will think that holds you back. That prevents you from taking the first step.

But what do you fear most? Staying where you are and not achieving your income goals, making an impact (the comfort zone). Or stepping out and up and taking action – experiencing growth and making a BIGGER impact?

Growth comes from bridging the gap.

Determining the gap between your current position and where you want to be is important. However, it’s also essential to reflect on what you truly desire. Many women settle for what seems nice or okay instead of pursuing what they can achieve and deserve. 

More often than not, because of their fears and limiting beliefs – the stories they are telling themselves and which most likely don’t have a shred of truth to them.

Remember never to underestimate your potential and worth.

Magic and miracles happen outside of the comfort zone.

When you leave your comfort zone, answers come – the next step becomes apparent. The exact solution you need arrives at your doorstep, although more likely in your inbox or from a conversation you have. Help arrives, the support you need is suddenly obvious, and you receive a recommendation leading you to the people you need.

I’m smiling as I write this blog because this is precisely what happened to me recently. After all, the uncomfortable will become comfortable, and we are always evolving.

Growth is different for us all.

So, for you and right now, growth might be personal, financial – something else entirely. Perhaps developing the business to serve more wonderful clients or so you can enjoy more time away from the business. It might be employing your first member of staff or recruiting another (or more) to grow your team.

Growth might be introducing new products, services or offers – increasing the number of clients you work with. It might come from deciding to operate the business differently, in a new way – a complete change.

It might be something really specific, such as growing your business so it’s ready to sell and you can retire!

So, how do you step out of your comfort zone?

First, start thinking of stepping out of your comfort zone like a muscle. Just like exercising, the more you use it, the easier it gets. Most importantly, you can start small and low-impact.

Let’s face it and sticking with the exercise analogy. You wouldn’t wake up one morning and say I’m going to run a marathon tomorrow – would you? Well, I hope you wouldn’t.

So, let’s say you’ve decided you need and want to speak at events. Yet, even attending a networking event sends you wobbly. You could begin by joining a networking community that will support you in building your confidence. This will also allow you to hear other keynotes, get a feel for what is expected and works well. As a huge advocate of networking, I suggest you ask your business family for a recommendation on which networking group to join.

Or perhaps you’ve realised that you are hiding behind your keyboard and must start actively reaching out to potential clients. So, could you start with sending voice notes, for example –  and by the way, I love receiving these!  Maybe you could pick up the phone and make one call a day? Starting with past clients who I have no doubt would love to hear from you, or build your confidence by starting with your business family?

See, you don’t have to jump straight in. Instead, one tiny step is how it starts, and from that first step, the doors will open.

What first step will you take?

And if you’re unsure or lack courage right now, I’m here to help and here are a few ways I can do that.

1. Book a free Discovery Call, a space I provide so you can openly talk about your wildest business dreams, where I will guide you in exploring your fears and limiting beliefs. And support and help you to gain clarity, confidence and excitement for what IS possible.
2. Book a Breakthrough Coaching Hour perfect if you have a specific challenge in the business and need help understanding what is holding you back, where I will support you in deciding the steps which might be out of your comfort zone.
3. Listen to Getting out of your comfort zone… is it really necessary, and if it is, why, an episode from Challenging the Norm, the podcast I co-host with Paul Snell. A podcast that, when we started, was WAY outside of our comfort zones!