Without the proper motivation, we’re willing to stay in a situation that doesn’t make us completely happy , for fear that the discomfort we’ll feel by stepping outside of our current circumstances will be greater than the discontent we feel now, however unfulfilled we are.

But by not stepping outside of your comfort zone, you’re costing yourself three of the greatest gifts life has to offer.

One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.

In life, you’re either growing or dying. That might seem a bit exaggerated — and it is — but it’s not meant to be taken literally.

The primary ingredient for a happy life very well may be progress, as recent positive psychology studies have pointed towards. Shawn Achor, positive psychologist and author of The Happiness Advantage , refers to happiness as “the joy you feel moving towards your potential.”

Growth is about progress .

Progress is about movement .

The trick is, to making it a habit of stepping outside of yourself and growing consistently.

Try these 3 basic steps for developing the strength to step outside of your comfort zone –habitually:

1. Make a procrastination list: Make a list of tasks you’ve been procrastinating on.
2. Do one (or more) of the smallest items on your list: If you’re afraid of calling someone and telling them how you feel. Make the smallest simplest task easy. 
3. Keep taking steps: By doing that simple task, and stepping outside your comfort zone ever so slightly, you gain energy and confidence.  

“Comfort is the enemy of progress.”

― P.T. Barnum