33 Small Ways to Expand Your Comfort Zone

I’ve written before about how the path to success is uncomfortable. You have to move outside of the place where you’re comfortable to grow and be more than you are today.

The more time you spend outside your comfort zone, the larger your comfort zone becomes. As a result, you’ll feel comfortable in more environments. You’ll be able to reach further without feeling overwhelmed. Your income, job success, and relationships will all grow.

I believe that expanding your comfort zone in small ways sets you up for success when it’s time to make a big leap. Little changes help you get used to that small feeling of discomfort without pushing you into a place of panic. As you grow your comfort zone in small ways, you’ll develop the confidence and grit to change in big ways as well.

Here are 33 small ways to expand your comfort zone.

1. Smile: Here’s an experiment: smile at everyone you see when you’re on your way to work or out running errands today. It may not make a difference, or it may make your day. Either way, you’ll practice putting yourself out there.

2. Be Friendly: Push yourself to smile and greet people with a warm greeting when you arrive work. Say hello and ask those who serve you how they are doing. As you start being friendlier, not only will you feel better, but your relationships will improve.

3. Give Compliments: Going out of your way to say something nice to someone will make their day, as well as give you a chance to practice talking to people you may not know very well.

4. Encourage People: If the thought of encouraging people makes you feel uneasy, then do it. It will lift their spirit and yours as well.

5. Repair a Relationship: There are few things more uncomfortable than sincerely saying “I’m sorry.” Do it anyway. You’ll relieve yourself of the burden of a fractured relationship and earn this person’s respect.

6. Interact with Different People: It’s easy to gravitate to the same people at work or at social events. Stretch yourself by striking up a conversation with someone you don’t usually talk to.

7. Build a New Relationship: Is there someone at your place of work, church or social group that you would like to know better? Invite him or her to lunch and enjoy building a new relationship.

8. Go on a Date: If you’re not married, who would you enjoy getting to know better? Does the thought of asking this person out make your heart flutter? Do it today and who knows what may develop.

9. Join a Dating Site: If you are not married, why not put yourself out there. You may find the love of your life. My brother met his wife through eharmony.com and they are perfect for each other.

10. Do Some “Out of Character” Shopping: Is there a type of store that would make you feel uncomfortable walking into? Go ahead and push yourself to do it.

11. Ask for a Review: If your place of work does not have a regular schedule for reviews and you believe you are bringing more value than you are being paid, then ask your boss for a private meeting and discuss your current role, what your boss feels you can do better and if appropriate, ask for a raise.

12. Prospect: If you are an entrepreneur or sales person, what person or place of business would be your ideal new customer? Make the call today and you will feel great.

13. Volunteer to Lead a Project: Look for projects where you work, worship or volunteer that you can lead up. Taking on a new leadership role will certainly stretch you.

14. Apply for a New Job: Are you happy where you are currently employed? If not, consider what you feel would be a job you would love and start making calls to prospective employers.

15. Call Someone: If you prefer communicating with others by text, email or through social sites because it’s more comfortable, then shake things up by calling people occasionally.

16. Talk to People You Don’t Know: Does talking to people you don’t know make you uncomfortable? If so, look for opportunities to talk to new people, even if it’s smiling and saying hi to someone at the grocery store, gym or coffee shop.

17. Try a New Food: Did you hate a certain food when you were young? Does the thought of eating sushi make you gag? Give it a try! At worst you’ll have an unpleasant meal. At best you’ll have a larger comfort zone and a new favorite food.

18. Get Lost: Being lost is an uncomfortable feeling. That’s why it’s a great way to expand your comfort zone. Pack a map of your surrounding area and a mug of c...