Why does this work?

Getting out of your comfort zone works for a few ways. First, you have reasoned that there is something you can do to get you closer to achieving a goal but it’s not something you are comfortable with – which is precisely the point. If you continue to do things that you are comfortable with, are you really changing? Well, the answer is NO! You’re not!

For instance, if you really want to start a relationship but you are afraid to introduce yourself to someone new. There is a disconnect between the goal and the action because it’s easier and more comfortable to rationalize why to take the habitual path.

The way to truly expand your comfort zone is to deal with and understand the fear. The fear is usually irrational. Weigh the possible outcomes. For instance, what is the absolute worst thing that could happen if you went up to someone and introduced yourself? The worst outcome is that you’ll get rejected right? There won’t be any physical pain, or lasing embarrassment; it’s not like one minor failure will cause any catastrophes. Another example relates to weight loss. Many people feel like they want to get into shape but are uncomfortable joining a gym or are afraid of failure in some way. In business or in your career, habits form all over the place and many times people will act a certain way because it’s easier. Maybe at a networking event, it’s easier to wait for people to talk to you but how much more effective would it be if you were on the offensive? Maybe it’s time to step up and ask for a raise or make a suggestion about how to improve a process in your department.

The key is to expand your comfort zone.

There is a long lasting result to all of this too – once you expand your comfort zone you will build long term confidence and your newly expanded comfort zone will be the new habit! You won’t find it hard to meet 5 new business contacts or talk to someone at the bar if you do it 30+ times. Your brain will realize that the consequences are minimal and you will actively step outside your comfort zone constantly, creating lasting and fulfilling change in your life and get closer to your goals! Remember, the only way to change is to actually change!

It can be about anything.

“I can’t make more money because I’m not qualified…”
“I can’t lose weight because I don’t have time to exercise.”
“I shouldn’t talk to that person because they won’t like me.” etc…

The basic structure is:

“I can’t do {something I want} because {something I believe is limiting me}.”

These are often called limiting beliefs and they are controllable and you can change the way you think. A recent excuse (which is simple, but a good example) I caught myself constantly using was to choose white bread over whole grain. My excuse was that it’s slightly cheaper, and only a few more calories per slice. But that’s not in line with my goals is it? Every calorie counts, and honestly if $0.25 – $0.50 is a real decision maker, I have bigger problems. It’s just an excuse. I’m convincing myself that one option is better than another even though I KNOW that the opposite is true.

Usually these types of excuses cause people to never achieve what they truly want to and it’s time to STOP MAKING EXCUSES. It’s important to overcome these limiting beliefs weather they are “what’s the difference” type excuses or caused by fear or discomfort.

The only way to change, is to actually change.

The first time this truly sunk in, I knew I was really onto something and once you can change the default patterns that your brain jumps to while in certain situations, you will feel it too. Try to catch yourself making an excuse to do something that is totally outside your goal list. Let’s say you’re overall goal is to lose weight before the summer… Your excuse might be the next time you’re at the Bar with your friends and you make an excuse to have another drink.. in your mind it’s, “Well… what’s one more, I already had 3…” but the difference is 100 – 200+ calories! This excuse is not in line with your long term goal and is only satisfying you in the short term.

Try to catch yourself while you are misaligned with your goals and you’ll see nearly instant improvement! Take action!