“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

Neale Donald Walsch

Staying in our comfort zone feels good. We always know what to expect. There’s less stress, fewer risks, and no fear of failure. But comfort can also lead to complacency. Especially in the workplace, where growth often requires courage.

According to a 2022 LinkedIn survey, over 75% of professionals admit they avoid stepping out of their comfort zone, even when they believe it could benefit their careers.

Meanwhile, the American Psychological Association found that 64% of workers who challenged themselves at work (by taking on new responsibilities, speaking up more, etc.) felt more confident and motivated afterward.

So what holds us back? Mostly fear; fear of failing, fear of being judged, fear of not being “good enough.” And that’s completely normal.

But staying too long in your comfort zone can make you stagnant.

5 Ways to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone at Work

1. Start Small

Don’t pressure yourself to apply for a leadership role tomorrow. Start by contributing to meetings, presenting a new idea, or joining a new project. Small wins build momentum.

2. Find a Supportive Peer or Mentor

Having someone to cheer you on or give feedback makes the process less scary. Share your intentions, you may be surprised how encouraging people can be.

3. Name the Real Fear

Is it fear of rejection? Public speaking? Criticism? Once you identify the root fear, it’s easier to confront it with a strategy instead of avoidance.

4. Shift from “What If I Fail?” to “What Can I Learn?”

View every new experience as a learning opportunity, not a test. Growth rarely happens without a few stumbles.

5. Track and Celebrate Your Bold Moments

Keep a “courage journal” where you write down moments when you tried something uncomfortable. On tough days, look back and remind yourself how far you’ve come.

Fun Fact: Your Brain Loves Routine (Even When It’s Holding You Back)

Neuroscience shows that our brains are wired to favor familiarity and predictability. That’s why stepping out of your comfort zone literally feels stressful. But once we push past that initial resistance, we create new mental pathways that make us more adaptable and resilient.

Growth Often Starts with Fear

Whether you’re trying to speak up in meetings, ask for a raise, lead a team, or pitch your idea, remember this: being afraid doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It means you’re human. And the other side of fear is often where your most meaningful growth begins.

“Great things never came from comfort zones.”

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