How to expand your comfort zone is the topic of today’s Mindset Monday. We’ve all heard the saying that life begins one step outside of your comfort zone. And, I know that it’s absolutely true, and I also know that moving out of the comfort zone is not comfortable. There are ways to expand or raise your comfort zone. To Expand your comfort zone is growth. John Maxwell says that “If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zones.” Three steps to move out of your comfort zone are to decide that you value growth over standing still, change your mindset, and take small action steps into the new situation.

Enjoy this episode? Please subscribe to the podcast in iTunes and leave a 5 star rating and review! They really do matter, and I read every one of them.Episode NotesHello, thanks for listening Ovation Nation to another Mindset Monday! I’m your host, Marc Smith.I want to talk to you about How to Expand Your Comfort Zone! We’ve all heard the saying that life begins one step outside of your comfort zone. And, I know that it’s absolutely true, and I also know that moving out of the comfort zone is not very comfortable.The question is what do we need to do face that discomfort and move toward the things that help us be successful and prosperous? Back in last week’s Mindset Monday, Episode 6, I talked about the tension that’s created when we begin thinking big and see ourselves outside our current situation. That created tension is the sweet spot that leads to growth!Abraham Maslow says, “One can choose to go backward toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again. Fear must be overcome again and again.”

[bctt tweet="I’m loving Mindset Monday on the #StandingOShow podcast with @marcsmith111 !"]

Your Comfort Zone is Like Your Internal ThermostatSo, let’s look at comfort zones more closely. One of my teachers, the late Lou Tice, of The Pacific Institute, said, that “Our comfort zones regulate our effectiveness.” Regulate is the key word because Lou explained that the comfort zones in our mind are like the thermostat in our home. If we set the comfort point at 72 degrees, then the heat or AC comes on when the temperature goes outside that set point and brings it back to 72 degrees.If you think of yourself in a certain way or you get used to living at a certain level, then your mind wants to self-regulate and bring you back to that comfort zone whenever you begin to think about something bigger or even different.You start to feel out of place, and your subconscious mind says “Get back to where you belong!” Retreat! Don’t do it!You begin to come up with excuses, “what if this happens?” or “Yes, that would be nice, But…” But, I’m not ready…But, I don’t have time…But, I could never do that…anything to relieve the fear and get back into the comfort zone.So, those feelings can be normal. It’s just your comfort zone making those excuses in your mind.Kyra Davis writes, “Sometimes we have to step outside of our comfort zones. And we have to discover the sensuality of fear. We need to face it, challenge it, dance with it.”3 Ways to Expand Your Comfort ZoneThere are ways to expand or raise your comfort zone. So let’s talk about them. Expanding your comfort zone is growth. John Maxwell says that “If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zones.”Here are 3 steps to expand your comfort zone:

1. The first thing is to decide. Decide to let go of all the reasons something won’t work, and decide that you want it. Once you make the decision that you really want it, then your subconscious mind goes into action to provide creative ideas about how to get it or do it. Keep in mind the positive benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone: self confidence, efficacy, meeting new people, productivity, accomplishment. So make the decision that you want these things, that you want to grow.
2. Change your mindset. When you begin to feel that fear or uncertainty come up, do what professional athletes do before a big game. Begin to visualize the situation and you being successful in that situation. Visualize the end result and what that feels like. Know that you are bigger than the situation. Your subconscious is creative and will seek out the way. I’m always amazed how the steps make themselves known once I set the goal, see it in my mind and move toward it.
3. Say Yes! to the opportunities. Accept the nervous feelings and take action steps that move you forward.

The Standing O Show Has Really Moved Me Out of My Comfort Zone (and I love it!)I know that after years working in corporate America as an educator and in Executive Leadership, starting a new business, which includes The Standing O Show was a huge step out of my comfort zone.Facing fears and doubts and struggling with things I didn’t know how to do caused me to want to retreat many times! But I made the decision (sometimes daily) to expand my comfort zone.I used visualization and changed my mindset.And,  I just kept taking steps toward my goals discovering the ways to do things as I moved ahead… and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!I’ve met and started relationships with amazing, successful people who I wouldn’t have met by falling back into my comfort zone, and I feel so good knowing that I’m helping others through this show and my business. My comfort zone expands every day.What’s one opportunity that you can say Yes to today that expands and moves you out of your comfort zone? Can you find one thing today, Ovation Nation?Expand Your Comfort Zone“Coming out of your comfort zone is tough in the beginning, chaotic in the middle, and awesome in the end…because in the end it shows you a whole new world!” – Manoj AroraThanks so much for listening!Now, go out today and get your Standing O!Click to see all the books recommended by past Standing O Show guests.Click to see all the nonprofits or charities spotlighted by past Standing O Show guests. A portion of all OvationSocial.com revenue will be donated to these organizations in 2016.Thanks so much for joining me this week. Leave a note in the comment section below.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you select below.