Get Outside Your Comfort Zone to Grow Professionally

There are lots of things that can stunt your professional development, but most of them can be handled once you identify the problem. Believe it or not, your comfort zone may be a big problem, and you could be sabotaging your professional development by being in a state of arrested development. To really grow in your job and as a person, consider moving outside of that zone and shaking things up.

Scientific studies have shown that when people get into a routine, they feel mentally and sometimes even physically comforted. The problem with this in an ever competitive business world is that it means you could be overlooked for promotions and raises. It may also mean that people with less experience and education could pole vault ahead of you within your company. That's why you have to be willing to go outside your comfort zone continually in order to stay ahead of the game and further your professional development. One of the easiest ways to do this is to consider expanding your education by going back to school or signing up for additional training. Make sure the classes are relevant to your work sector, though technology training is always a plus in almost all fields.

Shaking up the status quo is one way to ramp up your professional development, so consider doing something really radical in your workplace. Taking on new challenges is a great way to do this, because it forces you to expand your professional boundaries and skills. You could also consider moving to another position temporarily to shake you out of your rut. Switch places with another coworker for a week or two to see what you might learn or pick up about your company's workflow and your job specifically. You may be surprised at what you learn, and you can apply these lessons to your everyday performance once you return to your regular job.

You should also consider any opportunities to work abroad that may arise. Even if it's just a short month-long assignment, working in another country opens your eyes to a whole new culture and way of life. It could also help you determine what you want out of life and your career. If what you are looking for can't be had with your current company, consider finding a new job. Getting a new job will not only help your professional development, it is the ultimate way to ensure you don't get back into a zone that is so comfortable that you stop growing.

If you find yourself in a rut at work where you feel entirely too comfortable, you should take steps to break out. Something as mundane as taking a class can help you shake the comfort blues. There are also more radical ways to accomplish this, but whether you shake things up or just give them a little rattle, all will help contribute to your professional development.

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