What crisis? I’m feeling very nice and comfortable, thank you. Everything is safe, under control and familiar. (Sounds like denial and rejection to me).
But in an increasingly rapidly changing world how does one cope with unfamiliar situations and changes? Higher competition, more demands, keeping up with technology, etc. etc.
Staying safe can lead to stagnation, boredom and inflexibility. One stops seizing opportunities for growth to avoid being in unfamiliar territory.
Exploring unfamiliarity could be:
·Starting a new project that’s been put off (me).
·Reaching out to new professional contacts (that’s me too).
·Taking a small risk that could push you towards your goals (again, that’s me).
Since giving up a career that I’ve been familiar with for over 20 years one of the toughest challenges I’ve had to face is stepping into the world of uncertainty, changes and moving on. Just the feeling of being in an uncomfortable situation makes my stomach churn and my head dizzy. I can feel it right now just writing about it!
What can I do to mentally step out of my comfort zone?
1. Visualise over and over again successfully doing or achieving what you fear. It helps reprogramme your thought habits.
2. When you are faced with criticism don’t feel rejected, defensive or in denial. Instead think of it as a gift to reach your true potential.
3. Remind yourself of your greatest accomplishments. They are often marks of your courage and it is a reminder of what we need to get us there.
4. A strong Wonder Woman / Superman body pose helps increase your sense of power and confidence. The more you do these poses the more you will be able to step out of your comfort zone!
5. One of my favourites is: make it a habit to try something new. Go easy at first and start small (don’t expect to be able to run a half marathon after taking up running for a month!). Trying new things will make you get bolder and will make change seem less intimidating.
6. FEAR. When you are in an uncomfortable situation ask yourself if your fear is factual and perhaps it is better not to proceed. However, if your fear is purely emotional, perhaps you need to proceed and push through any discomfort.
7. Take a goal and break it down into small steps. Focus on one step at a time. This will boost confidence, give a positive outcome and motivation to stick with pursuing it.
8. A great one to help in the fearful moment is: ask yourself, ”What’s the worst that could happen?” Then follow this up with ”What’s the best case scenario of what could happen?” Both help address fear or discomfort and then give renewed energy towards the success of trying or exploring something new.
Do you have any more tips for changing the mindset from comfort for personal growth? Please share!
Carpe Díem
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