How do you grow your confidence by stepping out of your comfort zone?

I operated in my well-established comfort zone area for over eight years. There have been stressful moments when I used to motivate my team by acknowledging their unique contributions and thanking them for their trust in me as their direct people leader. As a funny remark, I used to say that since I have them on my side, I could run our shift from a local Starbucks. With my teams, I was confident that even without my presence, they would do their best to support the operation. I was well-versed for too long in working in a familiar area with the same procedures, people, structure, and demand, and nothing unique was happening. It was just a routine to deliver the needed automotive parts to all dealers across the country day in and day out.

I've found that a "growth journal" is incredibly helpful in this process. Before you take that first step outside your comfort zone, write down your fears as well as what you hope to gain from the experience. After it's over, revisit your journal and write about what happened. Did things go differently than expected? What surprised you (both good and bad)? This reminds you how far you've come but also gives you insights for the next time you choose to push your boundaries!

My previous role was my greatest career enemy that led me nowhere, limited my personal growth, learning, and developing opportunities, and blocked my path to utilize my full potential. To improve my situation, I began exploring other options, and a lateral move popped up as a possibility. Moving to my new role pulled me out of my comfy chair, and new possibilities appeared. I'm on my way to leverage and boost my career. My previous role was a trap where my capabilities and full potential were locked. To unlock myself, I pursued a lateral move, knowing that even though this type of move does not offer immediate benefits of higher pay or status, it can be a strategic career shift and a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and develop.

Self-discipline, perseverance, focus, and devotion are essential aptitudes in your journey to step out of your comfort zone safely and effectively, especially if you are looking for a career transformation. Any change will require you to dig into your inner resources, stamina, vision, calmness, resilience, and other human capabilities to handle the unknown. When I was confident about the need to move on in my career, I acted boldly on my decision. Being bold requires getting out of my comfort zone! Perseverance, calmness, and self-belief were great ways I used to fulfill my new career endeavors. Leaving your comfort zone is a choice and a decision you should make if you retain the willingness to grow and thrive in your professional life.

It can be helpful to look back on what you have already accomplished to remind yourself of the things you weren't sure you could do before you did them. I have clients create a "folder of awesome" to track wins on a regular basis. It doesn't have to be just the big things, but also the small promises we make to ourselves that we follow through with. It's important to write them down so you can reflect on them when your confidence needs a boost. The more self-trust we build, the more we can leverage that to take each new step outside of our comfort zone.

It's important to remember that confidence follows action. If you're waiting until you feel confident to step out of your comfort zone, you'll likely never take action. But if you face your fears and take the action any way, your brain will catch up and your comfort zone will expand accordingly.

When exploring new job opportunities, look for places that align with your long-term career goals, skills, and abilities. Explore roles that may spark your curiosity and creativity. Check out for positions that may provide new opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Review functions that may give you the needed vibe to advance your profession. Learn and research as much as possible about your new leader and the team you will join before applying. Realize that your next career move will happen if you find the boldness to make up your mind and be 100% certain about the real meaning behind your readiness to carry out the needed action to advance your career.