2nd December 2023,

Conquering fears and journey beyond the comfort zone can lead to professional success by shaping individuals into more adaptable, resilient, and innovative professionals. Successful people conquer challenges, much like a moth emerging from its cocoon to survive. They reach new heights in their careers by facing difficulties head-on and conquered the World's tallest peak amidst the harshest Weather, unaided by any guides.


Despite lacking money, education, and influence, Edwin Barnes aspired to become Thomas Edison's partner. Not surprisingly, Edison refused, being impressed by his determination, Edison offered him a job as a sweeper. Barnes' dream was shattered, even though he spent two years as sweeper and continued observing Edison. Meanwhile Edison designed a product called ‘Ediphone’ and wanted to sell it but his sales team rejected his idea. Barnes observed all these, and suggested a plan to sell ‘Ediphone’ and Edison Liked it and eventually became Edison's business partner and launched his own company, ‘Edwin C. Barnes and Bros’.
Edwin Barnes' willpower and stepping out of his comfort zone, working as a sweeper, allowed him to embrace discomfort. Expanding professional networks through this effort opened doors for career advancement.


Like Edwin Barnes, everyone must clearly state goals, break them into manageable tasks. According to Locke's theory, effective goals are specific, challenging, and include feedback. Creating a basic action plan with a timeline requires serious effort. Leaving the comfort zone is crucial for professional success, requiring breaking free from invisible barriers for a sense of security. Our actions are shaped by our success-oriented thinking.

Our temptation for comfort becomes the main obstacle of growth. As Dr. Margie Warrell explains to Forbes, “growth and comfort can’t ride the same horse.” Our fixed mindset convince ourselves not to achieve necessary skills to accomplish our goals. This makes us less motivated to look for opportunities to grow and learn new skills. 


Being a human being our behavior is habitual. The more we repeat certain behaviors, the more we get trapped into fixed patterns. This vicious cyclic pattern of living engulfs our dreams to do prospect in life.


So, we should leave our comfort zone gradually and expand it and find our optimal level of good stress .In 1908, psychologists Robert Yerkes and John Dodson research states that, “an optimal level of pressure or anxiety increases performance, but only up to a  certain point. Trying to jump too far outside our comfort zone can be harmful too for our mental state. So, we need to identify our certain point of good stress to attain our goal. 

Defining Clear Goals:

Edwin Barnes' journey began with a clear goal – to partner with Thomas Edison. Similarly, everyone must articulate their aspirations and break them into manageable tasks. According to Locke's theory, effective goals are specific, challenging, and inclusive of feedback.

Make Craft a Strategic Action Plan:

Creating a basic action plan with a timeline demands serious effort. Breaking down larger goals into smaller, achievable tasks allows for a systematic approach, making the path forward more manageable.

Overcoming Fixed Mindset:

Our behavior tends to be habitual, creating fixed patterns that stifle growth. Driven by a fear of the unknown, we often resist acquiring necessary skills, leading to missed opportunities. Embracing discomfort requires challenging this fixed mindset to foster a culture of continuous learning.

Identify Optimal Stress Levels:

The research of psychologists Robert Yerkes and John Dodson underscores the importance of finding an optimal level of stress for peak performance. Gradually leaving the comfort zone and expanding it allows individuals to identify their own "good stress" point, ensuring sustainable growth.

Exercise for Mental Resilience:

Regular exercise has proven benefits in reducing stress and anxiety, improving long-term memory, and fostering mental resilience. Incorporating a 20-30 minute exercise routine into the daily schedule can be a practical step towards building mental strength.

Confronting Fears Gradually:

Starting with small challenges and gradually expanding beyond the comfort zone toughens resilience muscles. For instance, taking on leadership roles, volunteering for projects, and facing uncomfortable situations contribute to personal and professional development.

Reflective Writing for Insight:

Writing down fears, motivations, and the positive and negative aspects of the current situation can provide valuable insights. This reflective practice helps individuals gain clarity on their emotions and motivates them to leave their comfort zones.

Set SMART Goals:

Setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for personal growth, such as earning a master's degree, provides a roadmap for success.

We need to start Now, start small:

Waiting for the perfect time is a myth. Taking the first step, no matter how small, is crucial. As Lao Tzu wisely said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Cultivate a Positive Mindset:

Maintaining a positive mindset is key to facing challenges with optimism. Visualizing success, focusing on achievements, and celebrating both big and small successes contribute to a positive outlook.

Meditation for Mental Agility:

Just as exercise is vital for the body, meditation warms and invigorates the mind. Engaging in meditation helps develop new neural pathways, enhancing self-observational skills and mental flexibility.

Reframe Negative Thoughts:

Marcus Aurelius rightly said, "Our life is what our thoughts make it." Training the brain to be positive involves reframing negative thoughts and replacing them with new, challenging ones.

In conclusion, the path to professional success demands breaking the barriers of fear, stepping out of the comfort zone, and embracing growth. Just as a moth conquers the challenges of its cocoon, individuals can conquer their fears, emerge resilient, and soar to new heights in their career.


Fatema Yasmin

Former Lecturer at SouthEast University
Senior Human Resource Manager at Uttara Crescent Hospital