10 Ways to Overcome Your Fear and Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.”

 

We get it. Venturing out of your comfort zone might sound intimidating. After all, that’s why it's called “comfort," a word that represents being snuggled up on your sofa with a big fluffy blanket and Netflix on shuffle. It's a good place to be, I'll admit. But you can't stay there forever.

 

I am not going to ask you to climb Mount Everest on your first hike. Start by taking baby steps. It’s all about starting small and taking it one step at a time. For example, writing a dissertation might be scary at first, but just googling your research topic, reading a few articles a day, and summarizing them sounds easier and maybe even entertaining.

 

I am in no way saying that leaving your comfort zone is easy. As always, it is easier said than done. But since you're reading this article, I know you are looking to change, and I am sure you can do it!

 

Here Are 10 Ways To Overcome Your Fear:

1. Keep changing your routine

Routines are all about comfort and efficiency, but without even realizing it, they can sometimes spiral little by little into your biggest personal comfort zone. Switching up your routine slightly every day or every week can help you feel less stuck and more ready to kick-start the day. Find a new route to go to school or work, have something different for lunch, or even walk up the stairs rather than taking the elevator. These small but meaningful changes will make you see things differently and perhaps even inspire you to do something bigger.

 

2. Keep trying new things

Whenever you struggle with something new, it doesn’t mean that you’re not good at it. It simply means that, well, you’re new at it. Don’t be frustrated. Keep trying until you’re no longer afraid. Once you’ve mastered it, start with the next uncomfortable thing.

 

3. Ask for help

Although it seems simple and straightforward, accepting that we need help is sometimes hard. You will not seem weak by asking someone to give you a hand; instead, you’ll be seen as someone who is in control and knows their strengths, weaknesses, and where they are headed. Giving up control momentarily can allow you to focus on the right areas and pursue your goals.

 

4. Ask questions and be curious

Asking questions is the best and easiest way to grow, learn, and master something. No question is too small. If you have a question, even if it feels silly, look for the answer. We, humans, are learners and wanderers; we are made to ask. As kids, we constantly ask all kinds of questions. As we grow up, we become embarrassed to ask, resulting in a decline in our curiosity and creativity. Bring back questioning, and it will spark your creativity.

 

5. Talk to strangers

I know, if 6-year-old me read this, I’d answer with a sassy “daddy told me not to.” But things have changed. The weather is no longer the only topic we discuss in an elevator (even if it's still the most comfortable in order to avoid that awkward silence). Talking to people while waiting for the bus, at a coffee shop, or even at school is the greatest way to overcome shyness and become more comfortable in dealing with daily life situations. You may even be inspired by someone’s story or learn something from it!

 

 

6. Say yes!

Although canceling plans to stay in bed and binge-watching your favorite Netflix show while snacking sounds like a dream, saying yes can lead to great experiences. Counting all the other points we have discussed, saying yes will allow you to try new things, change your routine, and even overcome your fear.

 

7. Keep a Journal

Yes, keep a journal. Grab one of those that you bought and never used. No, you don’t have to start with “Dear journal” or any other quirky Mean Girl phrase. Journaling is one of the most transformative habits you can develop. You don’t need to write pages and pages at a time. Write a sentence a day if that’s how you feel. You can start with simple things like how you’re feeling, what’s worrying you, and what’s exciting you. Or maybe jot down your current goals and your actions to achieve them. Sometimes our mind has a million tabs open, and that’s when stress and anxiety come and knock on our door. By writing, you’ll be closing those tabs one by one, facing your emotions and thoughts, and allowing yourself to focus on what’s important to you.

 

8. Make lists

Of everything. I have a list of things to do when I am bored, such as deleting unnecessary pictures on my phone or researching ways to become more sustainable. There's another list of things to learn, a list of weekly, monthly, and yearly goals, and even a list of unnecessary things to buy when I get paid. While some of these are superficial, making lists can help you organize your mind, goals, and life. We can all definitely use a little extra structure to help us figure out what we want to do in our lives to eventually have the courage and do it.

 

9. Overcome camera shyness

While filming yourself talking on your phone can sound like something out of an Instagrammer's world, it is an easy way to understand how you present yourself to the world and a good way to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. Make short videos, upload stories on Instagram, and get comfortable in front of the camera. This simple step will also help you interact with people, especially if you tend to be shy in public.

 

10. Actually face and overcome your fears

Often, the things we fear starting or doing are the things that will make the biggest impacts on our lives and growth. Commit to walking towards your fears instead of hiding from them. Start that blog, apply to that University, or talk to that person. While this can be uncomfortable at the time, it can also be responsible for some of our greatest memories and moments, so overcome your fear and take a step.

 

Whatever you choose to do, whether it is just one or all of these things, we are proud of you. Stepping out of your comfort zone, thinking differently, and changing aspects of your life can be scary at first. But studies show that stepping out of your comfort zone will increase productivity, creativity, and success.

 

We believe in you and hope this inspires you to make a change, whatever that may mean to you.

 

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