The comfort zone may be a great place to hang out. A number of people may hang out there for their entire life. That is because everybody likes a place where they feel safe.

The problem is staying in a comfort zone may limit your opportunities.

To achieve more and get the most out of your life please consider these 8 things you need to know about getting out of your comfort zone.

1. You do not have to do it all at once

Break your goal into pieces.

For instance, if you completely hate networking, and every time it comes into your mind you imagine having to be charming, witty and making sales. It does not have to work like that.

Networking simply requires you to make friends with several people.

Networking is not about pleasing everybody with your wonderful products and expertise.

Start by selecting a group you wish to visit and then show up and always be friendly. It is that simple.

“Life is a never ending journey of reaching out of our comfort zone. We can always reach new levels.” – Matthew Donnelly

2. Take action

Putting it on paper and creating a plan will not do you any good if you do not complete it with action.

Find a friend who can help you be accountable.

Let them know what you will be doing and then request them to check in with you weekly to find out if you did it or not.

It gives you encouragement to achieve something when you have to report to someone.

3. Change your thoughts

Everyone moves with limiting thought patterns once in a while, but since thoughts drive behavior and feelings, it is very important to try to harness the negative thoughts and replace them with positive, reality-based thoughts.

It is completely true that when we pay attention to positive aspects of life, such thought patterns lead our mind and body system toward success.

4. Picture yourself reaching the next level of success

The brain easily creates new neural conduits when we engage as many senses as possible; thus, it’s important to create a mental picture that’s rich in details.

How would you feel when you reach a major goal? What kinds of feelings, smells, sights, and tastes will you experience when you reach such a goal?

Take few minute breaks during the day to relax, have some deep breaths and run your mental picture.

The more you see yourself achieving your goal, the more likely you will be to move out of your comfort zone, so as to create the new behaviors and thoughts needed to succeed.

5. Engage in a hobby

Some people go wind-surfing or sky-diving to help them experience the body and mind feeling state of doing new things and conquering fear.

You don’t necessarily have to take up high-risk hobbies to move out of your comfort zone. You can try something such as hiking a little higher or longer than usual.

The mental and emotional experience of engaging in a hobby will translate to a great vision.

You will find it easier to try new things, have new thoughts, and try new ways of doing things.

6. Move through fear with action

The best solution to fear is taking action. Take a bold approach to whatever you fear.

Are you afraid of inviting that successful person who might help you out? Do it!

Write a quick script, and practice saying it aloud and then pick up the phone and call.

Do you fear speaking before a group? Perhaps you can join Toast Masters and get to learn how to express yourself in a group where everybody else is also learning.

The stupid thing about fear is that it’s an emotion that’s rarely based in truth.

Do not let some misleading form of reality stop you from making achievements.

Take action and move through fear.

7. Invest into business

When times are difficult, we tend to cut back on our research, development and marketing budget, or new equipment.

Instead of getting ourselves into temptations to slash development-producing spending, find some good ways to invest in a business that will boost your psyche.

This makes us move out of our comfort zone by having faith in ourselves.

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch

8. Hire a mentor

If you need assistance moving out of your comfort zone, among the ideal ways of getting support is by hiring a mentor, coach, or a consultant who will help you plan new goals and reach higher levels.

It is obvious that we all want to be successful in life, however, very few people can say that they have achieved success.

One of the major reasons why the majority of the most successful people across the globe achieved extraordinary success is due to the fact that they were able to take risks, think differently, and move out of their comfort zones.

Have these tips been able to help you? What tips would you add to this list?