How do you get out of your comfort zone

I force myself.

I make it a point to, at least once per month, do something that appeals to me but seems too daunting, intimidating, or uncomfortable to do. There's no magic here. It's just an application of will.

For me, an important part of this is that I give myself permission in advance to fail or bail without shame. Working outside of your comfort zone means that you're taking a risk. Take the emotional cost of "failure" out of the equation by recognizing that the value is in the doing, not in the end results.

My girlfriend and I travel, near and far, with scant to no planning. If we don't speak the language, we learn a little first, then more as we go. We keep an open mind and don't shy away from meeting new people. The more we improvise, the more fun we're likely to have. Our empathy expands and we return with fresh ideas. It becomes addictive.

By Choice. Pick something that is outside your normal behavior or skill set (but not too far out) and have at it.