26 Aug 4 Ways to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone in the Workplace
It is easy to become comfortable with your current position in the workplace. You know what is expected of you, the tasks you need to complete, and the people to turn to when you require a helping hand. However, when you become complacent and settled in your current position, you do not allow yourself to grow. You prevent yourself from progressing and improving in both your personal and professional life.
There is no reason you need to hold yourself back. Here are four ways to step out of your comfort zone in the workplace and find success.
1. Tackle a New Assignment
Is there a piece of equipment or a software program that you know very little about and how to use it? Are there certain tasks you purposely delegate because you aren’t confident that you can complete it correctly? These types of tasks are excellent starting places to help you step out of your comfort zone in the workplace.
If you want to improve, spend some extra time learning about the piece of equipment or the steps you must complete to master the task. Ask for help from a colleague or a superior as you work on the task. After you have completed the assignment, it will not only give you confidence, but it will also help you become a more indispensable employee.
2. Volunteer For Projects
When your boss is looking for an individual to tackle a specific assignment, do you often lower your head and avoid eye contact? Instead, raise your hand and volunteer. Choose projects that will help you expand your skills, teach you something new, and will become a powerful learning experience. Sometimes simply saying “yes” to more assignments is one of the best ways to step out of your comfort zone.
3. Switch Your Daily Routine
Do you typically eat lunch at your desk? Do you avoid a certain area of the building because you know nobody? Rather than hide away, step out of your comfort zone, and get to know others. Sit down at a table in the break room that you normally don’t sit at, climb a new flight of stairs, or share your break with employees in other departments.
It is easy to do the same thing day after day, but when you change up your routine, you will meet others, build professional relationships in the office, and become more engaged with your company.
4. Choose a Risky Option
When you are faced with a decision, rather than always choose the safest choice, choose the riskiest, most uncomfortable option. For example, during your one-on-one, you may always accept the raise offered to you. Make the choice to ask for a higher raise and negotiate a higher salary. This may be a frightening and scary experience but if you take the risk, you may reap a wonderful reward.
Stepping out of your comfort zone in the workplace can be scary. Fear can easily hold you back and keep you comfortable and lax. However, with the above four tips, you can take several small steps to progress and better yourself.
