As a team of creative professionals ourselves, we know all too well the joys of building a workflow routine and sticking to it. In fact, we encourage it! Of course, when you repeat the same processes over and over again - you can start to feel a little creatively blocked. That’s why it’s important to step out of your comfort zone every once in a while.
Comfort zone: A self-imposed behavioral space where we spend most of our time in
^^ This goes further than your morning coffee routine or your obsession over making (and checking off) to-do lists. Your comfort zone can mean the career path you’re on, the people you work with, or even using the same camera you’ve had since you were in college.
The thought of moving out of familiar territory can be a bit daunting, but the results can be incredibly rewarding. As always, we’re here to help if you’re ready to give it a try. Keep reading to discover the benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone, how to start shifting your mindset, and a few tips on taking your first steps.
It’s simple. G-R-O-W-T-H. When you push yourself to step outside of your normal boundaries, you’re allowing yourself to be open to new learning opportunities. For example: when you strike out on a new career trajectory, you’re pushing yourself to expand in areas you normally wouldn’t have. You may find yourself utilizing untapped creative skills, discovering new passions & hobbies, and meeting people who will become integral to your life. If you continue to wrap yourself up in your own space, so to speak, you could be missing out on a lot of opportunities to grow personally, socially, and professionally.
Don’t think of stepping out of your comfort zone as a physical thing you need to do. In the beginning, it’s all going to be about a shift in your mindset. It can make a big difference whether you walk into a situation with a positive or negative perspective. If you want our two (blended) cents, we’ll tell you this: set your intentions before you decide to dip your toes into a new experience. Make sure you’re clear on what you’re looking to achieve, whether that’s a switch from being a copywriter to becoming a videographer or something as simple as learning how to draw the perfect circle. Plus, it will feel that much more worthwhile when you hit those goals that you set out to achieve!
There’s no right way to start taking steps out of your comfort zone, it’s unique to your own journey. As always, there are best practices you can follow to ensure that you feel comfortable along the way. Here are our top do’s & don’ts of stepping out of your comfort zone…
DO
DON’T
As a freelancer, stepping out of your comfort zone could potentially highlight a positive turning point in your career. Take baby steps and make sure to check in with yourself every once in a while, but otherwise don’t stress it! You’ll find that you have become more creative, adaptable to change, and willing to take on work that you may not have before. This will enable you to rise up to new challenges in unexpected ways and likely help you to stand out among your peers for years to come.
Feeling inspired to take a small step out of your comfort zone? Complete one of these fun challenges below! Share your progress on IG and make sure to tag @blendedsensecreate
