It’s very easy to stumble into the trap of never pushing past your comfort zone as a new writer. The problem with this is it often prevents you from achieving true success as a remote writer and the happiness in life that you desire.
That’s because one of the best ways to grow is to test the limits of what most people consider “normal” to live the life you want.
Here are 3 basic starter tips towards coming out of your comfort zone in any profession.
1) Gain As Much Information As You Can
Anxiety usually comes from a fear of the unknown. Usually, we imagine the worst-case scenario of what could happen when we push past the boundaries of what makes us feel safe.
To break through your comfort zone, you need to first educate yourself. Your goal here is to find out about whatever skill or activity you’re pursuing as a new writer.
You’ll talk to people who have done the same thing. You’ll read books on the subject. And you’ll check-out articles on the Internet about this subject.
Information is power. And the more you know about something, the less scary and more powerful you’ll feel.
2) Create a "Get Out" Plan
After educating yourself, you want to create a plan of action for pushing the boundaries on what you think is possible.
With this step you’re going to write down a step-by-step blueprint for how you’re going to get out of your comfort zone.
You start with the easiest thing to do. Then, you create a plan to get to each level.
In this plan you need to create benchmarks. These are mini-goals that put you one step close to pushing past your comfort zone.
Furthermore, it’s important to identify the key challenges you’re going to face and what you’ll do to overcome them.
3) Stay Positive
There will be times when you experience a negative outcome. Something that shakes your confidence and makes you feel scared. The trick is to not let anything prevent you from blasting past the point of comfort.
Recognize that you will have negative outcomes. It’s a natural part of the process.
Don’t allow negativity to creep into your mind. Remind yourself that it’s going to happen. In fact, you should recognize that you’re actually being given feedback about how you can do something better.
For example: When pitching organizations for writing projects, there is a large number of ‘rejections.’ People will hang up, they’re going to be rude, and some might even threaten you.
The trick here is to create the thought-process of “next.” Whenever someone is negative, you quickly identify the mistake that you made and simply say "next" as you move on to the next phone call or email.
In summary,
1) Start getting out of your comfort zone by getting information. Information is power. And the more you know about something, the less scary and more powerful you’ll feel.
2) Get out of your comfort zone. Create a plan of action for pushing the boundaries on what you think is possible.
3) Accept negativity and destroy it with immediate/positive words and thoughts. When leaving behind your comfort zone, recognize that you will have negative outcomes. It’s a natural part of the process.
What are some more extended strategies that you use to overcome and come out of your comfort zones?
Never let a small stone in your path be the end of your journey.
Tony Yashar is a Contributing Author for Remote Writers Work. As a Business Tech Researcher and International Consultant, he is dedicated to sharing knowledge and resources with business-minded solopreneurs and digital nomads alike.
