Getting out of your comfort zone is always challenging, but more and more research shows that it is necessary for growth and success in your business and career.
My experience as a mentor to entrepreneurs shows that insecurity and lack of self-confidence are the main obstacles that people have to overcome to move forward with their professional development. The challenge is to recognize the problem and fix it.
Although people around you may recognize the symptoms, probably nothing will change if you do not notice the telltale signs of hesitation in yourself. The most important of these signs are set out in Stirling Hawkins’ book Hunting Discomfort. He has personal experience with career self-sabotage and today is a business leader and mentor to many entrepreneurs.
In this text, I have added my perspective on the key indicators he points out, and I challenge each reader to make their self-assessment of the feelings of insecurity and discomfort they experience at work, as well as to take proactive action to move to the next level of a business commitment, confidence, and success.
You tend to use non-committal phrases
“I will try” and “I hope for the best” are phrases that have no place in your career. If you find that you often use such phrases, it shows that you either lack confidence in your abilities, or you avoid making serious commitments. The antidote to this type of behavior is taking responsibility and celebrating all successes, no matter how small. To show commitment and confidence, you must learn to take full responsibility for your actions and give credit to others for their contribution to your overall success. These positive and proactive efforts will go a long way in strengthening your inner perceptions.
You focus mainly on your shortcomings (or at least the things you consider to be)
When you focus all your attention on your weaknesses and attribute the lack of career progress to them, you are simply hiding behind a defense mechanism. Instead, you need to take advantage of your strengths and believe in yourself. Focus on the qualities, not the shortcomings you have
It is easier for you to imagine a situation in which you fail than one in which you succeed.
This leads to a constant search for safety nets, backup plans, and alternatives. Instead, go to work, roll up your sleeves, and start learning from your mistakes and successes to become more confident. My advice is to follow the example of your successful colleagues and mentors who have built healthy self-esteem.
You avoid making plans for the slightly more distant future
You like to leave your schedule open in case something happens or you are not in good shape in the future. You don’t want to have to step out of your comfort zone. Don’t allow yourself to find yourself in a situation where you avoid making future commitments, because they are the ones that can help you reach the next level.
You are too picky about the conditions under which you are willing to commit
There will always be situations in which the conditions for performing a task are not the best possible, but if you often use this pretext to refuse to commit, it is probably a sign that you doubt your abilities and are looking for some excuse. My experience shows that people who rarely get involved in serious projects get fewer opportunities for professional growth over time.
You equate engagement with loss of freedom
Leaving every opportunity open may sound good, but in reality, it is a chaotic fantasy. Growth and success are about narrowing down options, committing to one thing, and doing it in the best possible way. Your clients and colleagues need to know exactly what you stand for and where you are taking them.
By eliminating these worries and learning to step out of your comfort zone, you will be able to handle more business commitments and keep more promises than you ever thought possible. This will help you reach your full potential. In my opinion, life is too short to be limited and stressed by our doubts about ourselves.
