Step out of the familiar—real success starts where your comfort zone ends. In this episode, we're breaking down how to move through those moments of fear and self-doubt, so you can claim your freedom on the other side of the terror barrier.

If you want to grow, you can’t stay safe forever. Most of us hit a point where the comfort zone becomes more like a cage than a sanctuary.

Getting to the next level—not just in business, but in life—means calling up real courage to face doubt, anxiety, and the voice in your head saying, “Maybe I should just wait.”

The strategies and stories in this conversation will help you recognize the traps we all fall into, and give you the keys to break out.

What you need to know

There are four stages people cycle through when facing change: comfort, reasoning, terror, and ultimately, freedom. As Donna and Londina share, most folks just loop through the first three—forever circling comfort, talking themselves out of growth, and running from fear.

The real challenge is to keep moving forward when everything inside you screams to play it safe. Our inner dialogue wields enormous power, shaping whether we step forward into growth or retreat to the familiar.

It’s common for well-meaning friends and loved ones to encourage you to stay comfortable. They want you by their side, not realizing it can hold you back.

That’s often why working with a coach or seeking advice from someone who’s walked this path before is so powerful—they'll help you spot when you’re drifting back to old patterns.

What you need to do

• Listen to your self-talk and honestly pinpoint what stage you’re in. Are you justifying staying put? Arguing with yourself about why a goal isn’t possible? Or are you feeling the raw nerves of the terror barrier?
• Build a rebuttal for your unhelpful thoughts. When the reasoning or fear pops up, counter them with logic and affirmation: “I can do this. A setback doesn’t determine my finish line.”
• Use your awareness as fuel. Instead of letting fear decide, ask yourself what’s really holding you back. What's genuinely the worst that could happen? What’s actually likely?
• Visualize the outcome you want. Spend a few minutes daily picturing the moment you’ve succeeded. The brain learns from imagination—attach deep emotion to your vision, and you’ll make success feel real before it ever happens.
• Remember, your brain's designed to protect you—often by keeping you small. Train it to support your growth, and let go of the drama that comes with worst-case thinking.

Your Next Step

Start tracking your thoughts today. Identify which stage you're in and jot down your internal dialogue. Then, craft one powerful counter-affirmation and practice visualizing your boldest goal as if it’s already complete.

00:00 

00:28 Episode Overview: Success Habit Number Six

01:05 Engage with IBGR Community

01:48 Understanding the Comfort Zone

02:46 Navigating the Terror Barrier

05:13 Tips to Break Through Your Comfort Zone

08:56 Visualizing Success and Overcoming Fear

11:51 Conclusion and Next Steps