Taking on challenges at work and stepping outside of your comfort zone is something that’s often easier said than done. Many of us feel comfortable in our routines, relying on established skills and familiar tasks. The idea of venturing into unfamiliar territory can feel overwhelming, and the fear of failure can paralyze us. Yet, it is precisely by facing these challenges head-on that we can unlock growth, boost our career trajectory, and discover new levels of confidence and capability.
Fear of the Unknown
At work, stepping outside of your comfort zone often means taking on tasks or roles that are unfamiliar or risky. The fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, especially when there’s no clear blueprint for success. Whether it’s volunteering for a high-profile project or taking on a new leadership role, there’s a natural human tendency to resist change because it disrupts the status quo. This fear can manifest as self-doubt, anxiety, or even imposter syndrome—feeling like you don’t deserve or aren’t capable of succeeding in a new challenge.
Risk of Failure
Failure is a natural part of growth, but it’s also a source of significant stress. At work, the stakes can feel high—losing credibility with colleagues, jeopardizing a promotion, or even facing public embarrassment can be daunting consequences of taking a risk. The fear of failure often holds people back from trying new things, particularly when they feel there’s a lot to lose.
Comfort in Familiarity
Routine and familiarity are comforting. We perform best when we know what’s expected and have a proven strategy for success. Taking on new challenges means breaking free from that comfort, which can feel destabilizing. While some people thrive in dynamic, unpredictable environments, for others, the idea of uncertainty can be a major deterrent.
Pressure to Perform
In most professional settings, there’s an inherent pressure to perform consistently well. Being asked to take on new tasks, whether they’re a stretch project or a completely different role, can feel like an additional weight on your shoulders. You might worry about not measuring up to the expectations of your boss, colleagues, or team. This pressure can cause you to hesitate, unsure of whether you’ll succeed or fail.
The Added Work of Learning Something New
Taking on a new challenge often means learning new skills, processes, or systems—something that requires extra time and energy. It’s not just about jumping into a new task; it’s about committing to the steep learning curve that comes with it. This extra work can feel overwhelming, especially if you already have a full workload or feel stretched thin. The need to upskill and invest time in mastering something unfamiliar can make stepping outside your comfort zone feel like an additional burden. However, this initial effort is usually the foundation for long-term growth, as the new skills you gain can make you more versatile and valuable in the future.
While it’s easy to focus on the difficulties, stepping outside your comfort zone is often the catalyst for personal and professional growth. The rewards can far outweigh the temporary discomfort, and the experience itself can lead to career advancements, new skills, and greater self-confidence. Here are some of the key benefits:
Having the courage to say “yes” to an opportunity or stepping outside your comfort zone is undeniably difficult a times, but it is also one of the most powerful ways to foster growth, unlock new opportunities, and reach your full potential. Whether you’re considering a career shift, taking on a leadership role, or tackling a complex project, remember that the path to success is often paved with discomfort.
Be courageous! Embrace the challenge! Take the risk! And you just might find that the biggest rewards lie just beyond your comfort zone.
This month, we challenge you to adopt a relentless mindset by saying “yes” to challenges that push you to be unstoppable. Inspired by Relentless, this is about going beyond comfort zones, embracing pressure, and taking on the obstacles that build resilience. Whether it’s in your sport, career, or personal life, the goal is to keep moving forward, no matter how tough it gets.
This week, say “yes” to a situation that challenges you—whether it’s leading a tough project, tackling a difficult task, or taking on new responsibilities when others may hesitate.
At the end of the month, look back on how saying “yes” helped you adopt a relentless attitude. Share a key moment where you embraced the pressure and pushed yourself further than before. Are you glad you took the challenge? Did it give you any new opportunities? Do you feel more inclined to do this in the future?
I was once leading a big project that needed approval by the executive team for any additional spend. The problem was that although the business leaders all felt the project was vital, the CEO wasn’t buying in and did not even want to consider it. This company was entrenched in the most political situation I’d ever witnessed. Everybody was trying to protect themselves and afraid to stick their necks out for anything important for fear their head would be chopped off, especially if it involved challenging the CEO. I knew that, if the project had any chance of gaining approval, I needed some top-level cheerleaders and would have to go on a tour to all the executives to get their “yes.” The most memorable situation was when I met with the CFO (the money guy). We had a great discussion, and he agreed with everything. I was excited and knew that, with his vote, I could get others. He walked me to his office door and, just before I walked out, he said, “But you know I can’t vote in favor of your proposal, right?” I was shocked and responded, “But why?” “Because the CEO would get mad,” he answered with a shrug.
You could argue that moment was Big-C or small-c courage based on the risk of disagreeing with the CEO, but small-c courage also includes the courage to say, “I’m in.” It’s easy to waffle, to hedge your bets, to offer to think about it, or to “try if I can find the time.” Saying, “I will,” and keeping your word takes guts.
Blogger John Maxwell describes a meeting where someone dared to say yes:
Not too long ago I cast a vision to a group of leaders. There were several people in the room listening as I talked about the possibilities of partnership, and how joining together could make a significant difference in the world.
After speaking to the group at large, I met with a handful of those leaders in private. We were in the green room, and the conversation turned to the possibilities of partnership and pushing a little deeper on the details.
I’ll never forget how, as the energy in the room began to build, one of the leaders stood up and said, “John, the answer is yes. Count me in. Whatever this means, I am a yes.”
With that one declaration, the room exploded, and everyone jumped onboard with the vision. After things died down, I pulled that leader aside for a chat. After thanking him for his positive commitment, I had to ask: “What made you respond so boldly?”
He answered: “I live on the other side of yes. That’s where I find abundance and opportunity.”
The reality is that most people’s tendency is to say no. The word yes may come with extra work and stepping outside your comfort zone. And while saying yes doesn’t sound all that courageous, being the first person to say yes often involves risk and extra work; it also involves the opportunity for advancements and rewards. The next time your instinct is to quickly say no to a work proposal or initiative, stop for a second and consider what would happen if you just said yes. Your courage to commit to a project, a decision, or an idea will inspire others to commit alongside you.
