Not Ready to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone?
| Posted in Inspiration, Personal Development, Success | Posted on 07-06-2010
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Stepping Out Of Comfort Zone
You’ve probably heard MLM trainers before recommending that you should “step out of your comfort zone.” Well, I even mention it on a few of my blog posts here at The EnlightenedNetworker.
That’s great advice! But what if you are just not quite ready?
What if you don’t feel comfortable of stepping out of your comfort zone completely and do things you are just not ready for yet. That’s okay! We’ve all been there at one point or another. It’s all part of the growing process.
Don’t panic!
Instead of freezing and doing nothing at all try to just ‘stretch your comfort zone’ a little bit. It’s much better to grow a little than not growing at all.
Build on your small successes and then stretch it a little more.
You will find that with every little stretch your confidence builds a little more.
Success is a great confidence builder.
I remember a few years back when I was asked at an opportunity meeting by a corporate member of our company to get in front of the audience and give my testimonial.
Oh dear! If there would have been a hole in the ground I would have gladly jumped in to it. With every passing minute I was waiting for my turn to speak my palms got sweatier and my throat dryer. I was terrified.
“What if I get stuck and can’t find the right words?” Or, … “what if I accidently throw in some German words?” That sometimes happens when I’m nervous.
All kinds of thoughts were going through my head. (F.E.A.R – False Expectations Appearing Real.)
When I was called to go up there and speak, it took a whole two sentences and I was calm like an old pro. I wasn’t nervous at all anymore, didn’t get stuck, and as far as I could tell no German words slipped out either. At least nobody in the audience seemed to be confused about what I was saying. Everyone just looked at me and really listened. Which by the way, really made me feel good and gave me a lot of confidence.
I stepped wayyyy out of my comfort zone that day. Or should I say, I GOT stepped out?
But I am so glad it happened. I build on that success and started stretching my comfort zone on my own.
It’s important to celebrate our small accomplishments.
Every little step we accomplish on our way to success is cause for a celebration. It gives us more confidence.
Ralph Waldo Emerson says …“A mind once expanded can never shrink back to its original state.”
Substitute the word “mind” with “comfort zone” and the same holds true.
Once you expand your comfort zone, it will never shrink back to where it was.
Are you stepping out of your comfort zone? Or at least stretch it a little bit? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
To your success,
Ilka Flood
The Enlightened Networker
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Carla J Gardiner
Ryan Biddulph
Stacy
Hi Ilka,
Thanks for recounting your story
It takes a great deal of courage to step out of your comfort zone.
I do so on a daily, and sometimes it feels like hourly basis. There’s no one particular action I could point do. It’s more or less taking on tasks which continue to challenge my belief system and oh does this feel uncomfortable at times. The best way to get through this I’ve found is to keep going and you get very used to feeling uncomfortable. It’s almost routine for me and it’s great, because I feel Alive.
Ryan
Ryan´s last blog ..3 Questions To Ask Before Hitting The Publish Button On Your Blog
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Hi Ryan,
Great point! When you feel uncomfortable you do feel alive. Yikes!
You’re right, the key is to keep on going.
Thanks for leaving us your thoughts!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hey Ilka!
I think we have all had trouble with public speaking before. I know I sure have
But, your right if you stretch yourself a little bit and just give it a go you will find that things are not as scary as they seem.
I always tell myself “Action Cures Fear”. Whenever I am afraid I try to be a Lion and just plunge right into it. Well that seems to work for me anyway.
I really loved the quote that you posted “A mind once expanded can never shrink back to its original state.” That is a great one!
Have a blessed day!
Melisa
Melisa´s last blog ..Why Personal Development? | The Purpose of Successful New You
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Hey Melisa,
“Action Cures Fear.” Love it! When you’re busy you don’t have time to be scared.
Very much enjoyed your article today by the way. Thanks for sharing it!
Have a great week!
Ilka
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Hey Ilka,
I like how you said, “It’s about taking small steps.” to develop. It also has to do with believe. When someone has a strong believe within themselves doing some out of comfort level is not as bad.
So I’ll add work on your believe system and that will also help coming out of comfort level. Great topic!
Chat with you later…
Josh
Josh Garcia´s last blog ..What Everyone Ought to Know About Writing Articles
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
Hi Josh,
I think your level of believe has a great deal to do with how successful you will be. Great add on, thanks!
Have an awesome day!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hi Ilka,
One thing I learned about public speaking a long time ago, is that no matter how nervous you may be, the audience will never perceive you to be nearly as nervous as you feel inside. Even if you are visibly nervous, they will only perceive you to be slightly nervous.
I really like your definition of fear “F.E.A.R – False Expectations Appearing Real”
Fear is nothing more than an ancient survival instinct that we have inherited from our ancestors. It kept them from getting eaten by or stepped on by dinosaurs…but unfortunately, it keeps us from stretching outside our comfort zone.
We must force ourselves to stretch the comfort zone, so we are continually growing.
I really enjoyed this post. Thanks for sharing!
Have a great day,
Ken
Ken West´s last blog ..Why Personal Development? | The Purpose of Successful New You
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Hi Ken,
You are so right! We are our own worst enemy making things worse than they actually are. Very true!
You guys have an awesome day!
Ilka
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Hi Ilka,
Great story and reminder that it’s not always easy to step outside our comfort zone, but if we do there is gold at the end of the rainbow.
Sure there will be a bumpy road along the way, but if you buck up and hold on, it won’t be so bad after all.
Have an awesome day,
Jerome Ratliff
Jerome Ratliff´s last blog ..What’s the One Thing You Can Do to Move Your Network Marketing Business Forward
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Hi Jerome,
Thanks! Bumps along the road are just stepping stones to success. Once we realize that we’ve won half the battle.
Have an awesome day!
Ilka
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We have all got to step outside our comfort zone to grow, I know that I had done the same thing in my career for 15 years and was just on a plateau. I decided to get into online marketing and feel that I have learned so much, I feel so better so I did. Thank you for the great article!
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Hi Robert,
In order to grow we have to move forward.
“You’re either ripe and rotting or green and growing.” – Ray Kroc
Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!
Ilka
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Its funny how uncomfortable the comfort zone is sometimes-kinda like a nagging tooth ache that seems preferable to put up with than visit to the dentist and the prospect of a quick sharp pain. Then we are baffled why we didn’t address the issue sooner.
Another great article Ilka
Cheers Kiaran
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Hi Kiaran,
Uncomfortable is a good thing though. It lets us feel that we are alive. Love how you compared it to a nagging toothache.
Thanks for your feedback and have an awesome day!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hey Ilka,
One of the toughest things to do is to speak in front of a group of people, sounds like you did very well.
For me, stepping out of my comfort zone was to attend seminars in my area. It was not so much attending as making sure I actually talked with people.
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Hi Peter,
Oh can I ever relate. I was taught – like probably all of us – not to talk to strangers. Great advice! But not so good advice in our business
Thanks for stopping by! It is very nice to meet you. Feel welcome to come back anytime. Looking forward to your wisdom.
Have an awesome day!
Ilka
[Reply]
Ilka,
Building on success, no matter how small, is something I try to instill in my new team members daily. Take pride in your accomplishments, keep a positive attitude, and the sky’s the limit.
Great post!
Karen´s last blog .."We are the architects – for better or worse – of our futures." James Allen
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Hi Karen,
Excellent advice! Thanks for stopping by and leaving your feedback.
Enjoy your day!
Ilka
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Hi Ilka, I guess that is the way to keep us growing, just feel good when we have taken one more step forward, and no matter how small that step is as long as it is improving our business.
As always Ilka, Blessings.
Jose Lasa
[Reply]
Hi Jose,
Indeed! As long as we are moving we will be in good shape. It’s when we stop that it ‘kills’ us.
Wishing you an awesome day!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hello Ilka,
O yes, I hear you… about throwing some German words… I know what you mean…
Good points in the article and awesome advice on stretching the comfort zone. Me typing here is stretching my comfort zone…
Thank You for sharing!
With Respect,
Slavik G.
Slavik G.´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
Hi Slavik,
Guess you can feel my pain, slipping out words in your native language. It can be quite embarrassing
Glad I could help stretch your comfort zone a bit, Slavik. You’re doing well!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving me your feedback!
Have a wonderful day!
Ilka
[Reply]
We surely do have a choice in life: stay where we are, bu then all of our dreams will be just that – dreams, or step out and make our dreams happen.
To me, the former is much scarier than the latter, and that’s what taught me to step out of my comfort zone.
Thanks for the great post, Ilka.
Look forward to your next one!
Ana
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
I agree with you, Ana. I’m totally with you. I’d rather step out of my comfort zone and have a chance to realize my dreams than to not try at all.
I’ve learned a phrase that I use in scary situations… “What’s the worst that can happen?”
Have an awesome day!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hey Ilka.
Building on small successes leads to massive successes. We should only be comfortable when we have the massive successes.
Good on you for stepping out and reaping the rewards.
Dwayne Huggins´s last blog ..What To Do When It All Gets A Little Bit To Much | Network / Internet Marketing Tip
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 11:23 am
Hi Dwayne,
Great to see you! Thanks for leaving your feedback!
I agree on building on small successes. Every step FOREWARD helps move closer to the big success.
Have an awesome day!
Ilka
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I’ve always found that you learn the most when out of your comfort zone. It always seems like you really remember what you learned when it was stressful – it puts you into a really creative mindset.
Murlu´s last blog ..How To Register A Domain With GoDaddy
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 11:29 am
Hi Murray,
Ha, how do you think I remember that ‘public speaking’ episode I mentioned above?
Those things stick in your mind…and yes, you absolutely remember what you’ve learned under those circumstances.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
Ilka
[Reply]
Awesome post Ilka, love it.
It sure does take a lot to step out of one’s comfort zone. But in order to gain something, we shouldn’t be scared to step up and out of the comfort zone. A lot of time it is easier said then done. But we can’t do it till we don’t try doing it. Action cures Fear….Really like that Melisa.
Thanks Ilka.
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Hi Adam,
Sometimes a little push helps, but it’s always better if we step out of our comfort zone ourselves.
And yes, Melisa had a great point. Action does cure fear. Because when you’re busy you don’t have time to be afraid.
Thanks for stopping by, Adam, and have a great day!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hey Ilka,
What a great story. I loved it (…and laughed…) when you said some German words would come out when you’re nervous!
Really it’s all in the mind isn’t it? When we’re actually put into a situation where we just have to do it, there is no fear, we just do it. It can be very liberating.
Live Large,
Wayne
Wayne Wu´s last blog ..How Wealth Is Created In Network Marketing
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 11:43 am
Hi Wayne,
Glad to be able to bring some laughs into your life. (You’ll live longer.)
Hmm, you really hit on something when you said … “when we’re actually put into a situation where we just have to do it, there is no fear, we just do it.”
When I married my husband and left my friends and family behind, moved clear across the ocean into the ‘unknown’ I didn’t think, I just did it.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Have a great weekend!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hi Ilka,
You’re right, it’s absolutely possible, and not so bad, to just “stretch” your comfort zone a bit.
Great topic!
Susanna
Susanna Hess´s last blog ..In The News, Network Marketing As An Alternative Income Source
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 11:48 am
Hi Susanna,
Every little bit helps and stretching is always possible.
My thoughts are with you!
Ilka
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This post reminds me of my own ‘stretching’ experiences. When you’re called on to share your opinion/thoughts on one topic or another, seems to stretch you a little a a time…that’s how it happened to me.
I agree Ilka, small steps helps you accomplish big things. You’ll soon have a much larger comfort zone.
Great post!
-James
James Hampton´s last blog ..Stop Procrastinating – Start Your Home Based Business!
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 11th, 2010 at 11:28 am
Hi James,
Thanks for sharing your own experience!
Just thought of something…have you ever watched someone build a brick wall? One brick by itself doesn’t mean much of anything. But if you put them all together, and put some mortar in between, you can build a pretty strong wall.
That’s how success is build.
Have an awesome weekend!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hey there Ilka!
This was a great post. You really hit home with this one. I remember when I was really bad at stepping out of my comfort zone. I am so glad I did though.
Great looking blog by the way. Keep up the hard work!
I’ll talk to you soon.
Nathan´s last blog ..Jonathan Budd MLM Launch Formula Ending Soon!
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Hi Nathan,
Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words! Great to meet you.
Trust me, we’ve all been there at one point. Afraid of the unknown. But then when we stepped out we realized it wasn’t so bad. You just can’t grow if you stand still.
Have an awesome weekend!
Ilka
[Reply]
Ilka,
Great story. It really took alot for me to stretch beyond my comfort zone.
I do notice, the more that I stretch, the more comfortable I get and that helps push me to stretch even further.
Thanks for sharing and hope you had a great weekend!
Tommy D.
Tommy DiPietro´s last blog ..The Secrets I Learned Watching A Green Ogre Named Shrek to Balance Your Family and Your MLM Business
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
June 14th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Hi Tommy,
Thanks, yes, I did have a great weekend! Hope you did too.
Well, a comfort zone once stretched will never shrink back to it’s original state
Keep stretching!
Have a great week!
Ilka
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If you feel that stepping out of your comfort zone will lead to growth and make you a better human being , you should do it. Just be concentrated on your goal and everything will fall in place.
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
July 16th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Darn, this one slipped through the cracks. I sincerely apologize.
Absolutely, I totally agree with you. Stepping out will help you grow. It’s the only way!
Have a nice day!
Ilka
[Reply]
Hi!
Wow! what a great post! Love the comments as well. Sometimes you just have to do like Nike says and “Just DO it!”
Brad Pollina´s last blog ..Great On-Line Selling Strategies Which Can Promise An Ever Growing Earnings For Your Own Venture
[Reply]
Ilka Flood Reply:
July 16th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Hi Brad,
Thanks for stopping by! It’s very nice to meet you.
You are spot on … “Just Do It!”
Have an awesome weekend!
Ilka
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