Starting a business is exciting for entrepreneurs. It's kinetic, it's consuming, but it's also completely exhausting. So it makes sense that once the company experiences a certain level of success and things are going well, business owners often opt for an extended stay in comfort zone.

While taking their foot off the gas may feel earned, comfortable and safe, make no mistake comfort zone it is an extremely dangerous place for a business owner and for the long-term survival of the organization.

Comfort zones tend to instill in us a false sense of security, which comes at a very high cost. Success can be a two-sided coin – a strong but steady flow of cash combined with a bit of arrogance can eventually keep us isolated and stagnant. Our feeling for comfort and safety it can stifle growth, inhibit risk-taking, and frustrate any reasonable expectation of innovation, growth, and scaling.

Comfort zones prevent us from thinking bigger, brighter and bolder. In her Oscar acceptance speech a few years ago, movie actress Regina King said it best when she powerfully proclaimed, “Comfort zones are where dreams go to die.” If that doesn't move you, I don't know what will.

Related: Get out of your comfort zone, take risks and run with the big dogs

Are you lazing in your comfort zone?

If you are a business owner trying to balance the comforts of the status quo with the unlimited possibilities for NEWask yourself these key questions:

1. What lies within your comfort zone and what exists beyond it?
2. Do you find yourself mostly unemployed within this area?
3. How often do you go to the suburbs or go outside?
4. Can you remember a recent time when you moved beyond your comfort zone?
5. How did you feel and what lessons did you learn from the experience?

As a business owner, the sense of success, achievement and complacency you enjoy within your comfort zone is, in fact, well-earned. No one wants to take that away from you. But there is an inherent danger in passively accepting doing well enough.

Creative stagnation leaves businesses vulnerable to their more dynamic competitors who are quantitatively better prepared to long term success. This is especially true for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) due to their inherently smaller footprint and more limited resources. But for any business, stepping outside your comfort zone should be less about money and more about mindset.

Related: 7 steps to push your career beyond your comfort zone

Five ways to get rid of your comfort zone

Before you start strategizing your way out of your comfort zone, be sure to give yourself a pat on the back for all that you and your business have accomplished so far. You must have experienced real success to get to this point, so kudos to you.

But now is the time to leave the comfort zone paradox behind. There is no longer an obstacle to the future success of your business because of the satisfaction you feel from your past successes.

Here's how to start innovating, energizing and igniting your business for bigger and better long-term results:

1. Identify your fear

Inertia is usually at least partially ingrained fear and uncertainty. Do some soul searching and determine what might be dampening your desire for innovation and growth.

Common culprits include fear of failure, anxiety about the economy or market trends, questions about cost or cash flow, and concerns about the capabilities of your current team. Dig deep, then list those devils on your shoulder.

2. Educate yourself

Knowledge is power. Research current market dynamics, emerging trends and even innovative hot spots in your industry. Learn all you can about what your competitors are competing against, the technological advances you may be able to adopt, and other influences that can inspire action and growth. Be sure to use multiple information sources and commit to lifelong learning.

Related: The big reason why you should hire highly educated employees

3. Leverage your team

I promise your people have some great ideas. Some can be massive game changers, while others are perhaps a bit more niche, but all are worthy of recognition and consideration. By doing so empower your team as strong contributors to business success and gives your organization informed, fresh and different perspectives. Your people are truly the aces up your innovative sleeve.

4. Dream big

You would never have started your business if you were a small thinker. So dream big and fulfill your personal and business visions with a broad mindset. Convince yourself that nothing is beyond your reach. Remember, Jeff Bezos was once a bookseller with a bigger dream.

5. Know that there is no bottom line

Complacency has a way of sneaking up on us when we're not paying attention. Without a deliberate commitment to growth and NEWcomfort zones are almost an inevitable side effect of success. Your role as an innovator in your business is endless. There is no pillar. Sustained success requires a long-term strategy and a never-ending commitment to creativity and improvement.

As you push the boundaries of your comfort zone, amazing things are almost certain to happen. Your vision and mission will take on greater meaning. Your team will be more inspired, productive and aligned. Your market position will increase. And all thanks to the refusal to accept the comfort and limits of the status quo.