innovation, leading from the front at Vanzanzi.

[Edward Van Zyl]

The proverbial comfort zone: it is what prevents us from pursuing our dreams and achieving our goals.  The good news is that your zone isn’t a jail cell, but instead a place that you’ve created over time.  Because of this, you are free to leave anytime, but you have to be ready.  Below is a step-by-step guide to breaking out of your comfort zone and growing your business.

1.  Understand the return on investment (ROI) in stepping out of your comfort zone. Some of these benefits include standing out in a crowd, overcoming your fear, trying new things, and learning more. Imagine what these benefits can do for your business.
2. Identify someone in your field that you look up to and admire. List that person’s qualities and accomplishments.  Cross out the ones that you have in common.  From the items that remain, rank them in order of importance to you.  You now have a set of objectives to start on, so take them one step at a time.  What can you do right now to begin to achieve the first one on your list?
3. Put all your cards on the table.  Fear is the most powerful emotion, so assess what you are afraid of that has prevented your business growth.  Pledge to yourself to jump in head first. For example, if the idea of public speaking makes you want to run for the hills, call your local library and set up a workshop.  The venue is small, but will force you to face your fear and make it easier to do again.
4. Expect and embrace change.  The nature of our comfort zones is that they are predictable.  Even if what you are doing on a regular basis is making you money, you may be leaving a lot of money on the table if you don’t try something new.  Adjust your mindset to one that willingly accepts change because stepping out of your comfort zone will bring about a great deal of it.
5. Visualize yourself doing it.  Whatever it may be that you are afraid of doing, close your eyes for a few minutes and picture yourself doing it successfully.  The mind is a very powerful thing, and by continually focusing yourself toward the positive, you will be more likely to achieve your goals.
6. Work backwards.  When developing a plan of action, pinpoint your endgame first.  When you have an outcome in mind, your actions will be more specific and effective.  Furthermore, you will be better able to stay motivated while working toward that end.

 What advice do you have about leaving your comfort zone?  Please share your suggestions with us in the comment section below.