- Elevate & Inspire: Personal Branding for Creators and Business Pros
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- Is your comfort zone holding you back?
Is your comfort zone holding you back?
Your comfort zone is that place where you feel at ease. It's a safe place, but is it holding you back from the success you deserve?
Anthony Gaenzle
May 22, 2025
In partnership with
Get out and experience things.
To succeed in business, you need to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Often, this can be as simple as changing scenery.
When things start to feel stale, I like to get a different view of the world. As I write this newsletter, for example, I’m on a train to New York City.
Image: Lancaster, PA train station
I had a couple of meetings scheduled with folks in the Big Apple today. Rather than do the old Zoom thing, I decided, “Why not pick up, hop on a train, and go meet people in person?”
I like to do things like this now and then to keep it fresh. Nothing kills creativity more quickly than staring at the same four walls all day. On the flip side, new scenery is inspiring.
I’m not telling you to jump on a train and ride the rails to NYC. That may be a bit drastic for some. But why not go work outside, drop by a cafe, or find a comfy spot at your local library?
Do something different. Shake things up. You’ll find it clears the cobwebs, and the ideas start flowing freely.
Who knows? You might just meet Spider-Man.
Image: Times Square, Spider-Man impersonator
Helpful Ideas to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone
It’s easy to get stuck in your comfort zone. I totally get it. It still happens to me, despite being very conscious of the risks. One thing that helps me when I get too comfortable is reminding myself of this.
If you’re too cozy, you’re probably not growing.
Don’t Go Too Big Too Quickly
Growth usually waits just outside the boundaries of comfort, but you don’t need to leap out of a plane to find it. Start small. For example, next time you’re scheduling a call, turn it into a walking meeting. Take the call while strolling through your neighborhood or a nearby park. It’s a subtle shift, but it flips a mental switch and gets your brain moving in a different rhythm.
Say “Yes” to the…Whatever
Try saying “yes” to something before you feel fully ready. A podcast invite, a speaking gig, pitching a meeting to someone you think is out of your league. Instead of overthinking it and running away til you’re ready, lean into it. Growth doesn’t wait for you to feel prepared. It thrives on the tension of figuring it out as you go.
Be Open to New Ideas
Spend time with people who think differently from you. This one’s huge. If everyone in your circle agrees with you, it’s probably time to widen the circle. Seek out conversations that challenge your assumptions. Discomfort isn’t just okay, Discomfort is a compass pointing toward insights that lead to growth.
Little Risks, Big Rewards
Build “micro-risks” into your week. That could mean launching a new idea before it's perfect, publishing something that leaves you a little bit vulnerable online, or reaching out to someone you admire to make a connection. Someone you may have thought was out of your league professionally. These small stretches keep you from falling asleep at the wheel of your business and could lead to amazing, unexpected rewards.
The bottom line is, comfort is nice, but progress lives on the other side. Go find it.
Let’s connect!
If you have any questions or you’re ready to start working on your personal brand, email me at [email protected] or visit gaenzlemarketing.com.
Oh…and don’t forget to grab your copy of The Business of Branding You: Invest in Your Personal Brand, Grow Your Career, and Gain Influence.
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