Georgie Shears Of SHIFT On How to Go Beyond Your Comfort Zone To Grow Both Personally and Professionally
An Interview with Maria Angelova
Daily Affirmations — become your own best cheerleader: Start and end your day with a few positive affirmations. Phrases like “I am capable” or “I can handle whatever comes my way” can help build a strong foundation of self-belief, which will support you in stepping outside that comfort zone. This is a really simple yet effective tool to overcome self-doubt which will in turn have a knock on effect to helping you get outside of that comfort zone.
It feels most comfortable to stick with what we are familiar with. But anyone who has achieved great success will tell you that true growth comes from pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. What are some ways that influential people have pushed themselves out of their comfort zone to grow both personally and professionally? As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Georgie Shears.
Georgie Shears, is a 44-year-old transforming lives as a Life Design Strategist from Manchester. She is on a mission to genuinely empower women in the midlife to embrace their uniqueness, recognise their successes and capabilities, get out of their own way and design lives they truly love, through her revolutionary SHIFT Life Transformation System™. Using transformative yet practical strategies and tools, combined with sharing her lived and professional experiences, Georgie works to support women who want to make a change, but don’t know where to start, to find ways they can adapt their daily lives to bring them more fulfilment.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Growing up in Altrincham, South Manchester, my childhood was a blend of lots of love and a non-complementary dose of complexity courtesy of my Dad. At the age of one, my parents parted ways due to my father’s infidelity, marking the beginning of a rocky, external validation seeking relationship with him. Early memories were punctuated by his broken promises and unreliability, creating a sense of instability which I carried through through the vast majority of my life. So early in life I was made to feel like I wasn’t good enough, even my own father couldn’t spare me time and love (sadly an all too common story). Despite these difficulties, my Mum was always an absolute pillar of strength, offering consistent love and support in our home to me and my brother.
School years brought their own set of challenges. I had a great close circle of friends but I also found myself struggling with female friendship dynamics, often feeling, once again, that feeling of being not quite good enough.
Despite lots of fun times, my first bout of depression started in my early teens, leading me to antidepressants at the age of 14. I threw myself with some gusto into the world of partying, clubs and recreational drugs.
I very much enjoyed my social life, to the point I guess I gave up on school/educational aspirations after GCSEs at 15 and started earning my own money to fund the socials! I trained as a hairdresser and secured a job before even qualifying, but it wasn’t doing anything for me on a mental or soul level, I wanted a challenge and to feel I’d really accomplished something. After college, I continued to work hard, falling into various roles in sales and eventually marketing. I loved being around people, I was great with that environment and the buzz it gave me. I lived by my then motto ‘work hard, play harder’.
I chased the feeling of being independent, I moved out at 19, yet I still felt unfulfilled especially with the jobs I worked in, as I wasn’t feeling at all challenged. At the age of 21, I found myself in another relationship that failed miserably in the end. It started off great… solid, built on love and a shared enthusiasm for a good time, but as the years went by, it morphed into a challenging situation, casting a dark cloud over my mental well-being. Complicating matters, my partner had a son whom I deeply cared for, and despite the emotional toll, I clung to the commitment out of fear that he might feel the same abandonment I’d experienced from my own father. In the midst of this, severe panic attacks and health anxiety set in, haunting me with fears of various undiscovered illnesses and life-threatening conditions.
It took every ounce of strength, and many years really, to make the decision to break free from the unhealthy relationship that was breaking me more and more each day. I left with a £50,000 debt, shortly followed by a Bankruptcy court order, but I had to do it. Thankfully, my mum helped me recover, helping me and supporting me to find a safe and happy space to live.Not long after, I met my current husband, and my life completely changed in the most positive ways. We partied, travelled and visited Australia, and it was on this trip I realised the extent of my limiting beliefs, and recognised it was only me who could change this, to choose to overcome them. I found this new deep inner confidence that brought me where I am today.
Our return marked the beginning of a new chapter, and the arrival of our very much planned and dreamed of daughter, which solidified the foundation and commitment of our relationship. Although, on reflection, having had postpartum depression, I wouldn’t change any of it. These experiences shaped the contours of my journey, laying the groundwork for the resilience and self-discovery that would define my path forward.
I always loved to train in the gym, it was my time with myself, working to better and strengthen my physical and mental wellbeing. It helped me with anxiety, and I really didn’t want to move away from my new life to go back to an office job just to have a flood of negative, unfulfilling, confidence sapping emotions rushing through me again. So, instead of going back to the office, I decided to follow my passion and hit the gym, this time as a Personal Trainer.
The first incarnation of the new me was born. Shortly followed by my precious son, the absolutely delicious icing on the family cake. As a business owner, wife and mother I felt like I was on the right path, gaining confidence and — after many different therapies — experiencing a breakthrough in dealing with childhood traumas.
However, fast forward the height of the COVID pandemic. I found myself curled up on the floor, trembling, gripped by an overwhelming sense of panic. All my past anxieties came rushing back, paralysing me like a punch in the gut. Panic attacks had returned and my body had shut down. I literally could not carry on like this, especially with the children at home home-schooling. We (my husband and I) had to be their solid in this unfamiliar new pandemic induced lockdown landscape. I needed to get myself better. There was no choice. It was at that moment I knew something needed to change, drastically. I decided to take control of my life. That’s when everything shifted.
Determination well and truly engaged, I dived headfirst into an almost obsessive, learning journey towards my own healing and growth. Immersing myself in anything and everything I could find; books and podcasts, Youtube videos, audio books, investing in courses and coaching with the best practitioners around. Embracing meditation, tapping, gratitude, affirmations, new routines, and breath-work. I learned how to tune into my own deep guiding intuition and rewrite my limiting stories. All practised in the most practical, actionable, non woo woo way!
I’ve gone from a girl who never felt good enough, to a down-to-earth, ever-evolving, confident business owner who wholeheartedly believes in women’s transformative growth and the importance of creating lives they love.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Certainly, one life lesson quote that has been a guiding light for me is, “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” This quote by Charles R. Swindoll, I live by this and it’s the most inspiring quote to remind myself and those who I support, that your focus on self-improvement will shape your future.
In my own life, this quote became particularly relevant during many of my personal relationships that affected my mental health. As circumstances unfolded, I realised that while I couldn’t control everything happening to me, I held immense inner power, strength, in determining my reactions. The realisation that my responses shaped a significant portion of my experience prompted a transformative shift in my mindset.
Leaving that challenging relationship, overcoming financial nightmares, moving on from my feelings of abandonment and embracing the uncertainties of life became a testament to the quote’s accuracy. Life It isn’t about avoiding difficulties, that’s never going to happen, but rather navigating them with a perspective and a toolkit of practical strategies and practices, that affirmed my ability to respond positively and grow though each and every one. This philosophy has been a cornerstone in my journey of self-discovery and empowerment, reminding me that my reactions hold the power to shape the narrative of my life.
Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
The most impactful book that has left a lasting impression on me is the book “I may be Wrong” by Bjorn Natthiko Lindeblad. He teaches the power of embracing imperfection, listening to your intuition, and living mindfully. About finding balance, letting go of what holds you back, and facing life’s challenges with resilience and courage. At its core, it’s a journey of self-discovery, urging us to have compassion for ourselves and others, reminding us that our inner guidance is a loud, clear voice if we choose to listen.
I felt like this book was my guide, making me embrace my true self and live authentically, guiding me towards a life that aligns with my values and aspirations. It reinforced the idea that each moment is an opportunity to create the life we desire. It’s our choice.
I found inspiration to break free from limiting beliefs, trust my inner voice and embrace the endless possibilities that life offers.
Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. Let’s start with a basic definition so that all of us are on the same page. What does “getting outside of your comfort zone” mean?
Getting outside of your comfort zone, for me, is about daring to embrace the unfamiliar and pushing past the boundaries of what feels safe and routine. It involves taking risks, facing challenges, and exploring new territories, whether they be mental, emotional, or physical. This concept had become pivotal in my journey, especially during moments of transformation and self-discovery. You have to accept the challenges you’re facing, only when we go through them do we become stronger. You always feel incredible for daring to do something new!
When I reflect on my own experiences, getting outside of my comfort zone has meant confronting the fears and doubts that held me back head on. It’s been about daring to pursue my passions, even when the outcome was uncertain. Being vulnerable and allowing myself to really show up in this world as wholly me regardless of what others might think. From leaving a challenging relationship to embarking on new adventures, each step outside my comfort zone has contributed to my personal growth and definitely my resilience.
It’s not just about big things though; it can be as simple as trying something new or approaching a situation with a different mindset. Stepping even slightly outside of the familiar is where true growth really happens, and it has been a fundamental piece in my journey toward a more fulfilling, happy life, a life I truly love. Now I want to teach everyone how they too can free themselves of the internal limitations holding them back and dare to do the things they know deep down they really want to do in this one short life. I want everyone to be able to become strong-minded and be able to think like this. I know it’s available and possible for everyone — you just need to learn how.
Can you help articulate a few reasons why it is important to get out of your comfort zone?
It’s important to embrace the unknown otherwise you just stagnate. You get bored. Start to overthink and worry about even the smallest of things because your mind isn’t being challenged elsewhere. The comfort zone is comfortable, yes, but it is also boring and unfulfilling if you spend too much time there. No growth happens there. No excitement. No fulfilment — just steady predictability. You need to get outside the comfort zone to open doors of opportunities for learning and development, fun and fulfilment — the kind that only arises from new experiences. This is how you build your resilience and power, your self-belief and confidence. You learn to adapt to change, cope with uncertainties, and rebound from unexpected setbacks. They bother you less, because you know they are accompanied often by successes too. You learn new things you enjoy, new ways to experience this life and create one you absolutely love. Each time you meet with something new, however challenging, it contributes to an increased ability to navigate the complexities of life with greater ease, composure and steadiness. With Self-belief and increased self-worth.
Remaining within the confines of that familiarity zone can really limit your potential. Moving beyond it will open up so many opportunities and things that you might not have considered otherwise. This not only broadens the potential for personal and professional growth but also contributes to a far more enriched and fulfilling life.
It also massively contributes to conquering your fears and boosting your self-confidence. The accumulation of small successes from getting outside your comfort zone, brings with it a strong sense of achievement and empowerment. Yes it can be scary at first, but it feels so good! You become almost a brand new person, a brand new powerful version of you, with a mass of confidence for facing future challenges with a shiny new positive and resilient mindset and a miles more positive outlook. You start to notice all the great things this world has to offer, rather than focussing on the bad stuff.
Stepping out of your comfort zone and being faced with different challenges stimulates creativity too, encouraging you to think differently and find new solutions to problems. When you’re dealing with unfamiliar situations, you’ll naturally enhance your critical thinking skills. This in itself will lead to improved problem-solving capabilities in so many aspects of life and again an increased sense of self-belief and confidence.
Interacting with a bigger and more diverse range of people and situations outside of my comfort zone has hugely broadened my life perspective. It exposes you to greater understanding and empathy, breaks down barriers and brings with it a whole host of truly meaningful connections with all sorts of people — wonderful people from all different walks of life.
Overcoming fear has been a gradual process, I promise the fears start to diminish as your new found passions surpass it. Think of something you are afraid to face but you need to, what’s stopping you? You are strong enough to do it. You really are. For me, regularly facing discomfort, even slightly, has really reduced the impact of fear, making me more comfortable with the unknown and far more adaptable to change. I think it’s so important to have this mindset, this approach to life’s constant uncertainties that we have to navigate through one way or another. I choose to be confident about it and remind myself, ‘I can do this’. I can and you can too.
You also get this great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from achieving goals and overcoming things outside your comfort zone. You open a whole new world to a life full of opportunities, to continuous growth and transformation.
Is it possible to grow without leaving your comfort zone? Can you explain what you mean?
Yes, I do think it is possible to experience growth without always venturing far beyond the comfort zone. Growth is a nuanced journey for each and every one of us, and it can manifest in various ways, even within familiar situations.
Personal growth can occur through self-discovery, taking a really good look at your values, beliefs, and aspirations. While comfortable in the sense of familiarity, it can also be really transformative, leading you to a deeper understanding of yourself and bringing with it clarity and a sense of purpose.
Educating yourself and learning new skills within your comfort zone can also contribute to your personal growth. Continuous learning and improvement allow you to broaden your knowledge, improve existing talents and acquire new skills.
In my experience, relationships also play a huge part in this. Building meaningful connections, understanding different perspectives, and being genuinely empathetic can be accomplished in familiar social settings. These interpersonal experiences hugely contribute to your emotional intelligence and personal development.
You may not feel ready to take a big leap outside of your comfort zone. You don’t need to, tiny steps outside is all it takes. Yes, of course you would experience personal growth at a faster rate if you decided to step into the unknown, but it’s also okay to not be ready. It can take time to get there, to mentally prepare and train yourself. This is your journey — but it’s so worth working towards!
It’s finding the balance between the fine line between the comfort of a familiar place and the excitement and fulfilment of an unfamiliar zone, this is what brings about genuine personal and professional growth.
Can you share some anecdotes from your personal experience? Can you share a story about a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone and how it helped you grow? How does it feel to take those first difficult steps?
There have been many situations where I have had to build courage and step out of my comfort zone, but the main one for me is when I first decided to go self employed. Changing from being in an employment to becoming a mother and then launching my own business I found the entrepreneurial world and changes to my life nerve-wracking; doubts and fears played over and over again in my mind. But, I learned to hear them as just noise, mental chatter, not truths. With each challenging step, I discovered newfound strengths and capabilities within myself. It was a mix of excitement and anxiety, but the growth and fulfilment I experienced were unparalleled. Worth every second.
I had never ever even appeared on a zoom call before launching this online business — I was petrified of it. Now I run a whole business to people all around the world over the internet! I host group programmes online and regularly deliver workshops to many people at once.
Delivering a programme to help other people truly and wholeheartedly create lives they absolutely love and feel excited about is beyond any dreams I could have wished for. Had I not dared to be brave, none of this would ever have happened. I very much believe my anxiety, low self esteem and depression would still be here too if I hadn’t dared to take steps out of the familiar. If nothing changes, nothing changes.
I also climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge having been “Scared of heights” (apparently) for all my life prior to that!
I now get on stages and talk to large audiences — although “I could never talk in front of a group of people — I’m just not that kind of person”.
What are your “five ways to push past your comfort zone, to grow both personally and professionally”?
- Start Small: I encourage trying new, low-risk activities like joining a local book club, maybe trying out a local yoga class or walking/running club, or getting involved in a new online group course learning something you’ve always fancied learning. These activities are gentle ways to step out of your comfort zone without being too scary, you’ll meet new people, and start to build confidence in unfamiliar settings. They are simple but really effective steps towards starting to embrace new experiences.
- Create yourself a ‘Challenge List’: Write a short list of things you’re ever so slightly afraid to do, but would really like to try. This could be as simple as trying a new hobby, eating a new food, wearing something you wouldn’t normally wear, smiling at people as you walk down the street, or initiating a conversation with a stranger. Ticking off items from this list can be really empowering and really help you grow in self belief and confidence. Over time, this list will get bigger and bolder! Prior to launching this business I had never posted a single thing on Instagram. It terrified me at first but I set myself a challenge of speaking live to camera as I knew I had to tell people my story. It took me two weeks to dare to do it, but I did it. Now I couldn’t care less and do it all the time!
- Learn from Setbacks and use them as ways to move forward: Instead of fearing failure, I’ve learned to embrace it as a natural part of the growth process. Once I had a workshop that didn’t go as planned. At first it felt like I’d failed. But, rather than dwelling on the disappointment, I turned the experience into a chance to learn and grow. I had a really good look at what went wrong, adjusted my approach, and turned it into a valuable learning experience. Nothing is a failure, unless you chose to give up. Then even that is a success if you’ve chosen it! No reason to dare not to try then! Understanding that setbacks are just stepping stones to moving forward is so freeing and powerful.
- Actively seek out and build a Support System: Surrounding myself with a network of like-minded people or people more skilled in areas I’m wanting to improve in has been a game-changer for me. Having the support of friends, accountability partners, coaches, and even technical assistance can significantly lower the barriers to taking new steps. When I ventured into offering online courses, the technological side was daunting. Had I been left to figure it all out alone, I might have become completely overwhelmed. However, thanks to the network I’d built over time, I was able to navigate these challenges successfully and feel a real sense of accomplishment. For me, having a support system is crucial not just for practical help, but for the emotional reinforcement it provides. It makes stepping into unfamiliar territory feel less daunting, knowing I’m backed by a team that makes me feel secure, guided, and supported — and that’s a huge part of what makes us brave enough to tackle new challenges.
- Daily Affirmations — become your own best cheerleader: Start and end your day with a few positive affirmations. Phrases like “I am capable” or “I can handle whatever comes my way” can help build a strong foundation of self-belief, which will support you in stepping outside that comfort zone. This is a really simple yet effective tool to overcome self-doubt which will in turn have a knock on effect to helping you get outside of that comfort zone.
At first even this may feel uncomfortable! But over time, it will become a new normal and another thing you can tick off the list as having tried new things. I rolled my eyes at the thought of saying affirmations when I first read about them, but four years on they are a firm part of my morning and evening routine and have really kept that self belief high. When you choose ones that really resonate and you can say them with feeling behind them, they really work!
From your experience or perspective, what are some of the common barriers that keep someone from pushing out of their comfort zone?
People often fear failure, this fear about not succeeding often overshadows the potential benefits of the new experiences that awaits them. Often a lack of self-confidence and negative self-talk plays a big part too. Internalised limiting beliefs, leading to doubting their own abilities puts a block on people being even willing to try new things. This could stem from previous negative experience or even negative people in their lives whose messages are haunting them and holding them back. Another huge barrier is the fear of judgement, something that subsides when we find true fulfilment in our own journey, but is definitely prevalent at the beginning of a new journey. People feel comfortable and safe in their comfort zone, the familiarity of routine is what feels safe. The idea of pushing yourself into unknown territory can feel scary, unsafe, daunting. So often people don’t bother, which is such a shame because the benefits far outweigh the risk! Then of course there can be the worry of financial constraints and pressures. But we can always push our comfort zones without spending a penny.
Finding your inner confidence, pushing past that questioning voice inside your head is so worth it. But how will you ever know unless you try?!
There is a well-known quote attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt that says, “Do something that scares you every day”. What exactly does this mean to you? Is there inherent value in doing something that pushes you out of your comfort zone, even if it does not relate to personal or professional growth? For example, if one is uncomfortable about walking alone at night should they purposely push themselves to do it often for the sake of going beyond their comfort zone? Can you please explain what you mean?
The idea of doing something that scares me everyday is one I have come to love! In the world of business and personal and professional development, every day is a new day for learning and applying and actioning new things. There are so many unknowns, some work brilliantly and some don’t. But they all teach you something and they all help you grow, so it’s always a positive outcome. Being a mum brings with it a whole new level of fear, in so many ways. So many unknown challenges and worries, but again, the benefits far outweigh them all.
I was once someone who was completely run by fear, suffering for years with health anxiety and panic attacks, which left me terrified I was going to die and leave my kids without a mum. This stemmed from me losing loved ones too young, heightened anxiety during the pandemic and never dealing with the inner issues that fed into the feelings of self-doubt and self-sabotage. Over time I have reframed this and used it to harness my own power, to embrace the message that life is short, and so we MUST take risks. I am so conscious and driven by the short amount of time we have here on this earth, (having lost many people too young) so I feel passionately that while we are here we should bloody enjoy it and eek every last bit out of life — filling it with all the things that bring us inner peace, joy and fulfilment.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
One of my deepest passions is empowering women in midlife to embrace their uniqueness, their immense skills, diversity, strength and power, to recognise what they already achieve every single day without even thinking about it, and design lives they truly love. Through my transformative SHIFT Life Transformation System™, I am dedicated to guiding individuals through a clear, practical journey of self-discovery, resilience, and continuous self-improvement. By sharing my own experiences and the lessons I’ve learned, I aim to be a source of inspiration and support for those facing similar challenges.
I want to spread the word about the simplicity and ease of applying these tools and strategies that are available to us all, to help us cope, to help us thrive, to feel genuine fulfilment and inner peace — whatever that looks and feels like for each and every one of us.
I think it often seems very idealistic to live a life of joy and fulfilment — where you feel you can make choices around what you actually want out of your life, rather than following a predetermined path, where life feels like it is happening to you. This can feel like a luxury, a nice to have rather than a must have -and only accessible to spiritual, or rich people, who can dial into it. No — I want everyone to believe they can take more control over their lives, and the elements their lives are made up of, this really is available to us all and we so deserve to experience this one short life in just the way we want and choose to.
I want people to know there is a system you can follow that genuinely helps you overcome any obstacle you might come up against in your life. And that each time you do come up against an obstacle, it’s actually a chance to grow, because when you manage to get yourself past a stressful situation, and actually thrive, imagine the power that gives you knowing that each time you go through difficulties genuinely grow, you become bigger, bolder, brighter, more confident, more secure in the knowledge that you can make anything happen. You can live the life of your dreams. You really can.
Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!
Lisa Johnson @lisajohnstonstrategist
Lisa has completely turned her life around from growing up on a council estate, to leaving school, where she was bullied for being poor, at 16, then finding herself in £30,000 of debt, she has now made £16 million in six years and is now helping thousands upon thousands of people create businesses they love, giving them freedom to create lives they love. She’s hugely helped me in my business set up and continues to inspire and support me every day. She’s proved to me that you can build a business based around all your own life priorities, still be a great mum, friend, wife, daughter etc and still be hugely successful, whilst still retaining integrity, compassion and a huge heart. Bringing people up with you, creating a powerfully positive ripple effect in the world.
How can our readers follow you online?
Please follow me on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgieshearsstrategist
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgieShears
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-shears-81315825a/
I also have a group you can join on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/249894307658029/
My website: https://shiftlifetransformation.com/
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
Georgie Shears Of SHIFT On How to Go Beyond Your Comfort Zone To Grow Both Personally and… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.