by Ernesto Comodo
As we begin a new year, it’s always a great time to look at the past year and contemplate how we can improve in the new year on all aspects of our life, business, friendships and family. Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year, did you move the needle or was there no movement?
Many of us create new year’s resolutions setting new goals hopefully building on top of previous goals. Whether your resolution is multiple pages or you are struggling just to come up with one, make sure at least one is something you have never done before, something that will push you to the edges and get you out of your comfort zone.
If you are doing perfectly fine might feel kind of counter intuitive, why would anyone want to get out of their comfort zone if we are comfortable where we are? While we might feel cozy planning our days around habitual behavior, it is easy to fall into the trap of staying the same and never changing.
If things aren’t changing, we aren’t growing. If we and our businesses aren’t growing, we will quickly become irrelevant.
So how can we push ourselves? Here are 7 ideas I have personally implemented to get me out of my comfort zone that I would like to share:
- Gain Knowledge
A good part of our fears come from the unknown, which leads to make-believe, worst-case scenarios that haven’t even happened yet.
To overcome that, educate yourself. The more you know about something, the less scary it becomes and the more empowered and confident you’ll feel.
I make a point to read a book once a month on a topic or subject I’m not familiar with. You can start with 1 or 2 books per year and then move to one per month. I have been doing this since 2015 and have definitely opened up my mind into things I had no idea existed or ideas in a totally new perspective. It has improved my business and personal relationships with better understanding of others.
- Delegate
This one may make you uncomfortable. Why can’t you assign some of your work to an employee, right? Wouldn’t it be better to do it yourself? What if the employee doesn’t do it right? What if it causes a problem?
You’ll never know if employees can handle a new task unless you let them try. The reward may be twofold – TWO people getting out of their comfort zone! The employee could also have a different perspective to your task and it can actually open up new opportunities that you never thought about.
- Network With Purpose
There many forms of networking, from just talking with friends and family and family gatherings, attending events from our LA South Chamber of Commerce, industry related events, to national and global multi day conferences.
If you have never attended a small business networking event, push yourself to attend at least one every quarter. Once you attend, force yourself to make at least a connection with 5 people. Once you become comfortable get out of the comfort zone by getting more involved you can be a sponsor, speaker, organizer or even write a blog post about your experience of the event
- Physical / Mental Health
Make a physical change such as embarking on a fitness program and diet plan (with the guidance of a physician). Physical exercise can be a boost to your mental health and is a must for me 5 days a week. For another improvement to your mental health, take time out from news, noise and electronics by unplugging. Go into nature by yourself to an unfamiliar place. A hike in your city, a park, a different beach. Connecting with nature is a good way to connect with your inner self. Where you can let your thoughts flow, clear your head.
- Learn Something New
Doing a completely different activity or learning a new skill is a great way to get you out of your comfort zone. Something I recently started putting on my yearly resolutions. Last year I took an MiT course on Extended Reality (XR) and started getting certified for scuba diving. It has opened my mind into new thoughts, ideas, created new connections with others and most importantly it has given me insight to things I didn’t even know existed.
Other ideas you can explore: ride a horse, build a model plane or car, take a class at a local college.
- Travel
Travel to a new place at least once a year. Try to make it a place that is far enough where you cannot just go home without getting on a plane or going on a long drive. Go by yourself or with people that have never been to the place.
A new place is a great way to get you out of your comfort zone where you must adapt to the new environment. You are forced to ask for directions, talk to people for recommendations on where to eat, if you are there for a few days just seeing how people interact, cook, can help bring some of these to your circle once you get back home.
- Volunteer
As our LA Hope Foundation motto goes “Helping Other People Everyday”. It feels good to do something for another person, it can be your kids, your spouse, a family member, a friend or a total stranger. You can also spend some of your free time volunteering, even if it’s only in a small way. You could visit someone at a nursing home or walk dogs at an animal shelter.
I’d make a guess that every nonprofit organization wishes it had more volunteers. Don’t think you have any applicable skills? You may be surprised. Forget about being uncomfortable and make contact, you will be surprised what you will get out of it.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it can be hard to leave your comfort zone. Fear keeps us frozen, but like anything, fear becomes a habit. Figure out the worst that can happen, and the best that can happen. Focus on those best things, and it will be easier to escape that comfort zone.
I would love to hear from you in the comments what new years resolution you have that will get you out of your comfort zone and at the end of year let me know how it went. Wishing all growth and prosperity. Happy New Year!
Ernesto Comodo
Marketing Director
Los Angeles South Chamber of Commerce (LASCC)
907K Marketing
Transforming small businesses into small giants through marketing strategy, branding and advertisement.
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