Secrets So You Escape Your Comfort Zone for True Success

5 min readJun 14, 2022

“I think my comfort zone has become a noose around my neck,” my client, Helen, said. She wanted to move beyond her current job as a graphic designer. She had taken initiative in her current job. She wanted more. Using strategy and rehearsals, I coached her. She then gained a director-level job. She felt delighted.

I have helped clients leave their comfort zone and do new things including

· direct videos
· start podcasts
· begin as a professional speaker
· succeed in job interviews
· write screenplays, books, and much more.

With my clients, I use a process. The client has a series of experiences and then they can rise above their comfort zone. They enjoy a new adventure.

My coaching is built on a foundation of personal experiences. I began as a shy boy, shaking terribly while playing the piano for 21 seniors in a retirement home. I was terrorized by the thoughts, “How am I doing?! They’ll hear me make mistakes!” My leg shook as fast as a hummingbird’s wings.

So how does a shy boy with introvert tendencies stretch and grow? Coaching and rehearsal. I have faced my fears so many times. I left my comfort zone each time to become a feature film director, actor, international speaker, and author of over 50 books.

Tom Marcoux rises out of his comfort zone to direct a feature film.

I’m deeply grateful to my coaches and mentors. I continue the tradition as a coach and mentor, who has taught MBA students at Stanford University, Sofia University, and California State University–Chico.

I serve as the Spoken Word Strategist and Executive Coach, and I’m inspired by this quote…

“Only boldness can deliver from fear. And if the risk is not taken, the meaning of life is somehow violated.” — Carl Jung

So how do you create meaning for your life? How do you take the appropriate risks? You learn to RISE above your comfort zone.

The R.I.S.E. Process:

R — Rehearse
I — Intensify coaching
S — Strengthen evidence
E — Energize

1. Rehearse

Rehearsal builds confidence. It serves as a strong foundation so you can do something new. Rehearsal helps you set new neural patterns. As a trained actor and feature film director, I know that rehearsal can free you up to be at your best in the moment. You can improvise with access to your full resources.

When I speak of rehearsal, I also focus on practicing. We notice that athletes practice all the time and that builds their success.

How will you put rehearsal into your life? I suggest to clients even just 9 minutes in the morning. That activates your subconscious mind to support you — for the rest of the day.

2. Intensify coaching

Rehearsal means nothing if you are rehearsing inappropriate actions or faulty techniques. Having an effective coach elevates your performance and your confidence.

“Effective coaching gives you new experiences that help you rise above your comfort zone.” — Tom Marcoux

Among my clients are new speakers and tech people learning to give a pitch.

With my clients, during a rehearsal session, I’ll say, “Your mind just went blank. Use one of your Recovery Methods.” In this way, my client leaves their comfort zone, and they have proof that they can handle a tough moment during a speech, pitch, or vital meeting.

Coaching and rehearsal are essential, so you leave your comfort zone.

How will you gain valuable coaching?*

* Consider applying for a free Hidden Breakthrough Strategy Session with Tom Marcoux, Spoken Word Strategist. Limited slots are available per month. Apply at GetTheBigYES.com/yes

3. Strengthen evidence

To develop skill and confidence, it’s best to focus on doing small actions. In this way, you develop actual experience and evidence that you’re getting better. You feel in your gut that your skillset is expanding.

What incremental progress and evidence will build up your confidence?

4. Energize

It’s hard to feel confident if you don’t have personal energy. I’ve heard a number of people say, “I just don’t feel strong enough to do that today.” It’s necessary to develop routines and patterns so that you support your personal energy. Consider exercise, good nutrition and perhaps, even logging your sleep. These elements are foundational to enhanced personal energy. For more about great methods to increase your capacity for success and growth, consider my online course, Success Secrets: Confidence & Skills to Handle Toxic People (How to Make Your Breakthrough to Real Success and Happiness).

How will you support the expansion of your personal energy?

In summary, to leave your comfort zone, focus on the elements of RISE.

R — Rehearse
I — Intensify coaching
S — Strengthen evidence
E — Energize

Using strategy, including working with a coach, gives you the best chance to rise above your comfort zone, quiet down fear, and create new and outstanding success.

Many great moments to you.