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Each month we gather and share useful tips and tools; and this time it’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone.
Why? Well, while staying in your comfort zone usually results in a consistent and steady performance, stepping out of it can create the conditions for optimal performance.
Think about it. When was the last time you did something you were really proud of when you were safely cosseted inside your comfort zone?
Makes sense, right? So, now is the time check out these tips and tools and start challenging yourself to learn, grow, and try new things.
Tips
Do one of these things every two days and by the end of the month you should be comfortable being out of your comfort zone!
- Take different route to work.
- Listen to a music track from a genre you don’t usually like.
- Wear an article of clothing you wouldn’t normally consider – a hat or a waistcoat for example.
- Do a 10, 20, or 30 second blast of cold water at end of your shower!
- Call a friend or family member you haven’t spoken with in a while.
- Try a food you’ve never tried before. Or even better try something you know you don’t like with an open mind.
- Give someone a big smile.
- Keep a door open for a stranger who is way behind you outside of the normal social distance.
- Go to bed 30 minutes earlier and read.
- Meditate.
- Go to the gym, or swim, or do a strenuous activity you’ve never done before.
- Do that one thing that has been on your to do list for a very long time!
- Go to a part of your town, city or region you’ve never explored before.
- Ask for 10% discount on your coffee.
- Lie down in the street for 10, 20, or 30 seconds while people walk past.
- Have that conversation that you’ve been putting off with the important person.
Clearly, we want to build confident, resilient kids who’ll grow into confident, resilient adults. These great tips will help you to thoughtfully nudge them outside their comfort zones so they can build that confidence and resilience.
Tools
Want to break a bad habit or start a good one? Then this list of promising-sounding products that help you track your goals and form new habits is worth checking out.
These ideas will enhance creativity, add zest to your life and boost your brainpower. As there’s 52, why not try one a week for the next year?
Here comes the science bit
You've probably seen inspirational quotes that encourage you to do things you wouldn't normally do but getting out of your routine takes work! However, there's a lot of science that explains why it's so hard to break out of your comfort zone, and why it's good for you when you do it. With a little understanding and a few adjustments, you can break away from your routine and do great things as this article documents.
Research has found that our brains have a simple, yet powerful, mechanism for developing new habits. Habits work a lot like muscle memory; when a cue prompts you to do them, your brain and body carries them out with little conscious thought. This allows you to dedicate more attention to the activities that add meaning to your life.
Have you found these tips and tools useful? Do you have any you'd like to share with us?
Maybe you know someone who might benefit from giving one of them a go?
Please share away, and why not submit your comments below?
