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You build a career on small successes and failures. But if you want to push your profession outside of your comfort zone, you need a backup plan. Becoming successful in your job requires you to do what others can’t or won’t do. With the simple, concrete steps below, you can push yourself into career launch mode and reap huge returns. These steps include taking calculated risks, learning from mistakes, and embracing the unknown. Let’s discuss each of them in detail:
1. Feel comfortable if you feel uncomfortable
Instead of fearing discomfort, you should embrace it. The more often you do something new and outside of your comfort zone, the more comfortable you will become doing that thing.
This will lead to an increase in confidence. The more confident you are, the easier it will be to do things that are outside your daily routine. You will look for opportunities to expand yourself or take on additional responsibility because you know that while these things may make you uncomfortable, they are another way your profession can grow.
You’ll also inevitably get better at anything that makes someone uncomfortable – whether it’s public speaking or managing other people – and this makes those hours of practice worth it. The knowledge gained through experience is the basis for future success in any field.
Related: Get out of your comfort zone, take risks, and run with the big dogs
2. Take risks, but minimize the risks as much as possible
The best way to really learn is by doing. The only way you can do that is to let go of your fear. Take calculated risks, but make sure the odds are in your favor. The crucial decision is knowing when to gamble and when not to. Here are some tips to help you minimize the risks:
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Make a list of all the things that could go wrong if you don’t (or if you do). How will it affect your life? Your career? What are some possible consequences? If this isn’t worth risking everything, it isn’t important enough.
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Identify what might happen if something goes right with this project or idea – how will it help your profession? Will it lead to more opportunities down the road? Will this benefit you or others around you in the long run? Does this benefit you or others around you in the short term?
3. Be prepared to venture into the unknown
The only way to be prepared for these situations is to face new challenges. Try something new every day so it doesn’t seem so bad when an opportunity arises that requires you to venture into the unknown.
The more you feel comfortable with being on your own, going against norms or doing what it takes, it won’t feel scary because now you have experience using those tools and honing those skills in other areas .
4. Learn from your mistakes and move on
Many say failure is the best teacher, but what they don’t tell you is the best way to learn how to fail better next time. If you’re constantly trying new things, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, and making mistakes along the way (as long as they’re not too expensive), then there’s no way for you not to improve – and fast.
Related: The most important career lessons are the ones you learn from your mistakes
5. Don’t let what others think of you limit your success
It’s easy to get caught up in other people’s opinions, but this can keep you from making good decisions. If someone tells you not to do something, and they don’t have a good reason, ignore them. What is important is your own opinion and what feels right for you. People may have told you that something was impossible or wouldn’t work out, but if the situation fits your aspirations and goals, go for it.
6. Put yourself there
If you want to be successful, put yourself out there. This means taking on new projects and responsibilities that can help you grow in your profession. Putting yourself out there will help you learn more about yourself, what motivates you, and what your strengths are. You also know more about what kinds of projects or responsibilities make you uncomfortable or nervous.
By identifying these weaknesses, you can figure out how to improve them. When opportunities arise in the future that require these skills (or lack thereof), they will seem manageable.
7. Dream big and work to make it happen
Dreaming big means being willing to take risks and venture into the unknown. However, this doesn’t mean you should go all in without a plan to recover if something goes wrong (as it inevitably does).
Keep these things in mind when planning for success:
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Be Prepared for Failure: Think about what might happen if your plan fails, and work through those scenarios so you know what steps to take next.
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Take small steps first: start small and take one action at a time until you get closer to reaching your goal. Then continue until you reach your goal.
Related: How to Achieve Meaningful Career Progression
Push yourself outside your comfort zone to rise in your career. You may think you have to make the right move when you take risks, but the truth is that if you don’t step out of your comfort zone, how will anything ever change? Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone allows you to grow professionally and personally by building confidence, courage, and strength. It will also help develop resilience, an essential trait for success in any field.
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