You will most likely have heard “growth happens outside your comfort zone”. But what does that actually mean? And, more importantly, why is it so hard to step out of it, and what happens when we do?

It’s a hard thing to step out of your comfort zone because we feel safe when we’re in it. But, if we want to grow our businesses, we need to get comfortable being uncomfortable.

What is the Comfort Zone?

Your comfort zone is that space where everything feels familiar, safe, and predictable. You know what to expect, and there’s little risk of failure. It’s where you operate on autopilot—handling day-to-day tasks, responding to emails, and managing the routine aspects of your business.

The problem with being in this space that it can lead to us being stuck and not moving forward. We stay in this zone for too long, we stop pushing ourselves, stop learning, and stop seeing and taking new opportunities.

Why Is It Hard to Step Out?

Stepping outside your comfort zone is hard because it triggers fear. The moment you consider raising your prices, hiring a team, launching a new service, or even speaking in public, your brain panics:

What if I fail?

What if people judge me?

What if I’m not good enough?

When we start feeling this fear, self-doubt creeps in, and many business owners retreat back to what feels safe.

What Happens When You Push Through?

Once you step through the Fear, you enter a space where you start learning, where you develop new skills, gain experience, and start seeing different possibilities. Eventually, this leads to growth —where you build resilience, take bigger opportunities, and achieve things you once thought impossible.

Think about it:

– The first time you hired an employee, it felt risky. Now, managing a team is second nature.

– The first time you raised your prices, it felt uncomfortable. Now, you confidently charge what you’re worth.

Each time you step beyond your comfort zone, you expand what you’re capable of.

How to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone Today

Here are three simple steps to start pushing your boundaries:

  • Identify One Growth Area – What’s one thing you’ve been avoiding in your business? Maybe it’s making sales calls, attending networking events, or finally launching that new service.
  • Take Small Steps – You don’t need to take a giant leap—just one small action. If public speaking scares you, start with a short video on LinkedIn. If networking feels daunting, set a goal to introduce yourself to just one new person at the next event.
  • Track Your Progress – Every time you push past fear, celebrate it. Recognise how far you’ve come, and over time, what once felt impossible will become your new normal.

Your biggest business breakthroughs won’t happen inside your comfort zone. They happen when you take a deep breath, push through the fear, and take action.

So, what’s the one thing you know you need to do for your business but have been avoiding? That’s your challenge. Step out today— and see what opportunities you create.