What stops us from taking up new challenges?

We are all creatures of habit and feel comfortable following our routines. They are safe - if a little boring at times!

Business is the same: we keep doing what we do because it is what we know and are comfortable with. However, it may not be the most lucrative way to earn a living and can seriously hamper business success. What’s stopping us? Fear!

Fear of failure very often prevents us from being creative and stepping out of our comfort zone in the business world. Innovation is lost and we stagnate in our orderly world. It is often the precursor to the death of a business.

How do we overcome the fear and take on new challenges and try new things?

Start by doing something on a regular basis which is out of your comfort zone. Do something really small at first. For example, try walking down the street on the opposite side to the one you normally choose. Or reverse the order you put on your shoes or move your desk to a different part of the room. Little challenges which you overcome easily will give you confidence to move to bigger tasks without feeling stressed and anxious. Sit in a different part of the room from your usual spot, and take a look at your business from a different perspective.

Start looking for new and different challenges. Every time you take on a new challenge and conquer it you will get a satisfying rush of endorphins. Now the uncomfortable will become an exciting opportunity rather than a fearful experience to hide from. Write down all the benefits to you and your business of taking up new challenges and getting more creative and pin them beside your desk as a reminder.

Make 2016 the year you get comfortable with being uncomfortable!