Comfort zones are great, aren’t they? They foster some of the biggest things we crave, like ease, security, and good feelings. However, when it comes to starting a new career, or furthering an existing one, comfort zones won’t help you get ahead. Instead, they interfere with you reaching your professional potential.

As a driven professional who has sights set on a thriving, fulfilling career, it’s important to know that your professional growth heavily depends on you bidding farewell to your comfort zone.

Ready to seize your professional potential? If you’re wondering how to achieve career success, read these four reasons why you need to get out of your comfort zone to have a successful career:

1. Complacency will only lead you backwards.

It’s human nature to seek comfort and familiarity. To a large extent, that’s why people settle into a daily routine; it’s convenient and comfortable. Resting in contentment for too long, though – like staying with a company or remaining in a position that isn’t inspiring or promoting your growth – is like placing your goals and aspirations on the back-burner and pressing pause on your advancement.

2. Your self-confidence will multiply.

Self-confidence is one of the most important and powerful skills a professional can have. Confidence is a learned skill, though, that requires practice, patience, and performing beyond the walls of your comfort zone. Your self-confidence will multiply when you venture into the unknown and pursue new challenges to propel your growth.

3. Change will empower you to develop and diversify.

Do you avoid change at all costs? We get it. Change is filled with uncertainties, uncomfortable situations, and stress. While most people say ‘no thank you’ to those feelings, you can be the outlier. When embraced with an open mind and approached with a positive outlook, change can teach you vital life lessons and help you reach your professional potential.

4. You will begin to bear the fruits of your labor.

Have you ever heard the saying: “Without risk there is no reward”? It’s true. Life is about creating yourself, trying new things, and achieving your dreams. But if you never take risks in your career, you’re unlikely to experience significant rewards. Pushing past your comfort zone and facing scary or unusual situations head-on – such as having difficult conversations with a colleague or boss, networking, taking initiative, or speaking up in meetings – will teach you new things and lead you to new opportunities.

As the saying goes: Great things never came from comfort zones.

Are you ready to test your limits and work toward achieving your professional potential?

At Ohio Business College, every instructor and faculty member wants to help you perform at your peak. Let them know how they can help you push past your comfort zone and build the career of your dreams.

Continue learning by reading our blog post on 6 Steps to a More Confident, Professional You.