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5 Success Strategies to Finally Leave the Comfort Zone Behind

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The familiarity and absence of stress or tension are defining hallmarks of being within our own unique comfort zone.  However, our greatest achievements and successes typically seem to happen, at that moment, when we decided to move outside of it.  It’s in those moments when we are taking action or accomplishing something that stretches us beyond those areas that we’re already familiar or comfortable with that we achieve our greatest successes.  There is also typically some sort of stressful element involved, but it’s a kind of stress that we’re later glad we experienced in order to attain a previously unexperienced and new level of success in our lives.

It has been a challenge for me, particularly as the years pass, to move outside of my own comfort zone.  At times, I find I’m less willing to take the chances that I would have easily opted in for during for example, my early twenties.  I think that’s why it’s even more important as we get older to make a regular practice of regularly moving outside of what has become our current comfort zone.  These are five strategies that have helped me to do just that.

1. Commit To Something New

Make a decision to go for something new.  This could be a new career, a course, a change of location, a different way of seeing the world etc.  Think about something that you’ve always wanted to try and then make a commitment to following through and pursuing it.  However, avoid the tendency to devote too much time to pondering the pros and cons of committing to that new thing in your life that you’ve always dreamed of someday achieving.  Make an informed decision, by all means.  

However, if you’ve been considering something for a long time, it’s likely that you’ve already given a lot of thought to whether this is something that you really want in your life or not.  Commit to it now rather than giving the mind time to come up with reasons why you shouldn’t follow through.  The mind will always provide reasons why it can’t be done.  This is your time and your moment, you’ve thought about it enough, now follow through.

2. Take Action

I like Mel Robbins concept of “The Five Second Rule.”  It basically advocates taking action quickly once you’ve made a decision about something that you want to do or achieve.  Being action oriented is key to following through on a commitment that we’ve made to ourselves.  Take that first step as quickly as possible toward your new commitment. Make that action something that is directed squarely toward those fears or moments of hesitation. Waiting too long will often cause us to back out of it.  We may never climb toward those new levels of success along our own journey as a result.  That first action step is so critical to making something happen.  It may be five seconds or a bit longer, but don’t take too long, instead take action on what you’ve promised to yourself.

“The hardest thing to do is leaving your comfort zone. But you have to let go of the life you’re familiar with and take the risk to live the life you dream about.” -T. Arigo

3. Put The Brakes on Procrastination

Procrastination is deadly to us achieving success.  It insists on staying in our comfort zone for now, but assures us that at a later date we really will move forward and achieve what we’ve promised ourselves.  The reality is we probably won’t.  Do that thing that you know most needs to be done for you to get where you want to be.  What is it?  Take a step now to stop putting off that dream or vision for your life.  That step and ending procrastination immediately in the moment may be the exact push needed to move out of the comfort zone.  It also might bring in an incredible sense of relief knowing that you’ve finally stopped waiting because of fear and actually moved toward a new level of success, opportunity, and vision for your life.

4. Consider Changing Location

It’s not always possible, I get it.  However, sometimes committing to something new also requires that we do just that, but somewhere else.  For me, a place where I’ve already lived, worked, or grew up holds a lot of associations, and with those, its own built-in limitations.  They create an unnecessary and invisible barrier to potential future achievements at times.  This is not always the case, but sometimes a new location also equals a fresh start.  If for no other reason, the newness and our own unfamiliarity with the place creates a feeling of fresh, new, exciting, and different opportunities.  

We’re not aware of the limitations and we don’t have any pre-existing biases toward the location, ideally.  This gives us the opportunity to start anew along with the new goals and levels of success that we’re hoping to achieve.  It’s something to consider and can even result in meeting new people, obtaining new possibilities, and moving forward in ways that we haven’t previously expected or experienced.

5. Take a `Let’s Do It Approach’ More Often

Shonda Rhimes has it right with her “Year of Yes” concept.  If we didn’t say no right away to the possibilities that are presented to us, where might it lead? Given the brevity of life, shouldn’t we find out more often? Maybe we’re more inclined to say no generally and even have a good list of reasons for doing so.  It could be as simple and mundane as not wanting to go out in the cold at night to meet with a new friend at a coffee shop.  

Our first instinct seems to side with our own comfort.  However, what if we did say, “Let’s do it” instead, and followed up on those new possibilities.  It could lead to a new connection, opportunity or experience that brings us onward to a new level of success that we may have been waiting on for some time.  Just being open to the possibilities and being willing to take chances more often facilitates forward motion.  Saying “no” closes down the possibility, shuts the door, and with that any future possibilities with rapidity.  

If we react against a reflexive instinct to say “no,” and instead embrace a “Let’s do it Approach,” we may surprise ourselves with new degrees of success that we previously couldn’t have envisioned.

Conclusion

It’s not always easy to get out of our comfort zone.  However, some of our greatest successes often lie just beyond it.  Small steps can be helpful in making that transition for ourselves.  Committing to something new that we’ve always envisioned for ourselves is a start followed by taking action, however small.  It builds momentum and gets us moving in the direction we want to go.  

Putting the brakes on procrastination is helpful for considering what can we do now, rather than tomorrow, or at some other undefined date for moving closer to our destiny.  Changing location can also make the difference between a place with invisible barriers to our success and one that is an open realm of possibility.  Finally, taking a “let’s do it approach” and staying open to the possibilities can lead us onto things and levels of success that we may not have ever previously envisioned for ourselves.

Robert Babirad left being a lawyer to travel the world and write about his experiences as a global citizen.  He is the author of "In-Transit Passenger: Making the Journey Matter and the novel "Love in Budapest"  Robert Babirad | TouchPoint Press.

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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