Beat Fear for Success

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." The idea of a comfort zone goes back to a classic psychology experiment conducted in 1908. The comfort zone is a safe place where each person finds peace of mind and risks nothing at all. In this place everything is under our control, but it is also where we become lifeless and lose our courage.

Comfort Kills Progress

Throughout your life you will face many situations that need courage. It is difficult to confront them from your comfort zone, so you have to step out of it. It is the only way to learn.

Many people struggle to escape their safe zone, but it is not as complicated as they think. Small steps and balance are enough to get outside this place without ending up in the panic zone.

Think of the things that make you feel uncomfortable, shy and nervous, and practice all of them until those feelings fade.

Being Uncomfortable is the Beginning of Your Growth Zone

Go out and explore new things. You should feel a certain degree of anxiety in your life. Stress will increase a little, but later it will help you become a better version of yourself.

By leaving your safe place, you do yourself many favors:

• You increase your productivity. Life won't wait for you, so go ahead and live new experiences. It is part of growing and learning.
• You prepare yourself for difficult times. If you are not used to change, life will be much harder on you. Your happy place won't protect you from future problems; you will have to handle them yourself.
• You build stronger self-confidence. Overcoming obstacles and dealing with situations that once scared you gives you new skills. You will find out that you are much stronger than you thought.

The Key to an Exciting Life

The truth is, you have more power than you think in circumstances outside your comfort zone, so never avoid a situation just because it is uncomfortable.

Expand your network. Talk in public, talk with strangers and meet new people. Choose a topic you know well and start the conversation; it will be much easier.

Speak at conferences. The first time you will be scared, but you will get more comfortable and grow used to it. You will learn from each experience and grow as a person.

Learn how to respond. Confront anyone who isn't respecting you. Don't be scared of problems and conflicts; you have the power to face them. A problem never goes away until you deal with it.

That is how you give yourself the opportunity to grow and learn: by getting out of the prison you are living in. Focus on yourself, breathe and relax. That is the key to an exciting and successful life.