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What is the first step to step out of my comfort zone?
I’m trying to learn new things but I’m not sure where to start off. I’ll take any tips. #finance
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41 answers
Updated
Aeryn’s Answer
Brush up on your speaking skills. Join a Toastmasters club, call businesses on the phone frequently, learn a new concept and explain it to someone.
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Kim’s Answer
I'd say join the Toastmasters and get good at public speaking! It will serve you well, no matter what career field you choose!
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Owen’s Answer
I believe that it's important to try something new, even something that you may have no experience with at all. There's no harm in exploring different professional industries in order to figure out what you like, but also to figure out what you don't like.
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Meggan’s Answer
A great way to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone is through training or taking new classes. Pick a topic that is unrelated to your major at school or totally different from your primary responsibilities in your job and push yourself to learn something new. If you fear giving presentations, sign up for a course and practice speaking in front of the class in a safe zone. Ask for feedback and take it to heart and keep trying. It will get easier and easier the more you do it.
If in doubt, take that risk and see where you end up!
If in doubt, take that risk and see where you end up!
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Brian’s Answer
Building confidence in yourself and not being afraid to fail. Nobody likes to fail, but once you change your mindset to think instead of failing, i just found a way that didn't work, you will become more comfortable in putting yourself in situations that make you uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable is where you will grow the most and by forcing yourself to do it more often you will become more and more confident and will learn a tremendous amount. I hope this helps!
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Nick’s Answer
I believe the first step out of a comfort zone is just making a move to be uncomfortable. I think that a lot of times you have to just jump head first into a new experience without over analyzing things. I think that when you think about making changes too long, you think about reasons not to move forward, so you just have to jump. Also take things one step at a time. Its easy to get overwhelmed, but if take it in small bites its much more manageable.
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Rahul’s Answer
Hi Aldo,
A good question. Comfort zones can be different things to different people. It largely depends on what you've been used to, both physically and mentally, in the past. A student interviewing for their first job may be way more daunting than a hiker climbing Everest.
What I would suggest is to start with smaller goals which will over time develop into larger ones. Some great ideas have already been suggested in this thread, but here are some of mine (apologies if you are doing these):
- Run a half marathon
- Sign up for a public speaking class
- Engage in a volunteering activity
All require focus but are rewarding in so many ways. They will allow you to build a new perspective in life and a set of skills which will serve you so well in future.
Things are always less scary than they actually seem.
Thanks,
Rahul
A good question. Comfort zones can be different things to different people. It largely depends on what you've been used to, both physically and mentally, in the past. A student interviewing for their first job may be way more daunting than a hiker climbing Everest.
What I would suggest is to start with smaller goals which will over time develop into larger ones. Some great ideas have already been suggested in this thread, but here are some of mine (apologies if you are doing these):
- Run a half marathon
- Sign up for a public speaking class
- Engage in a volunteering activity
All require focus but are rewarding in so many ways. They will allow you to build a new perspective in life and a set of skills which will serve you so well in future.
Things are always less scary than they actually seem.
Thanks,
Rahul
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Matthew’s Answer
Try learning or doing something that once completed, will make you feel productive and accomplished, no matter how intimidating the task may be. You'll be shocked of how fulfilling it feels to accomplish something that is outside your comfort zone! It can even be more rewarding if the task can enhance your career and skill set!
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Lisa’s Answer
Great Question. We all feel uncomfortable at one time or another. There are many avenues you can use. Volunteer at a food bank or other event. You will meet people from different backgrounds and may find someone to network with. Ask questions. Don't ever stop doing that. The more questions you ask, the more you learn. Keep asking until you understand or have your answer. Good luck.
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Nicole’s Answer
Write a list of what your strengths and weaknesses are. From there, really evaluate what you are weak at, and list steps on how to strengthen those. It might be easy to point out weaknesses, but overcoming them requires you to get out of your comfort zone.
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Carolina’s Answer
Aldo, kudos to you for being open and honest to confronting what's not comfortable! Passion is always a good compass. What are you really passionate about? What "crazy' dreams and ambitions do you have for yourself? Now, think about what's holding you back from pursuing what your passionate about and wholeheartedly believing you can achieve those dreams? Take some time to answer those questions for yourself and identify any fear that come up in the most honest way possible. Shining the light on fear will help you identify what is outside of your comfort zone and more often than not, doing exactly what you fear is what pushes you out of it.
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Kathryn’s Answer
Step one is naming the intention, so you're already starting! The journey to gain confidence in yourself can take a while. Try to be kind to yourself along the way and give yourself positive self-talk. Surround yourself with a community to grown with. You are worthy of the pursuits that inspire you!
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Edward’s Answer
A step out of my comfort zone would to be more social media active with Linkedin for example. Also learn more about basic investments like mutual funds, stocks and ETFs and how they work. Another way to prepare yourself would to be read the WSJ & Barrons to gain insight of the financial industry. Being knowledgeable in your investments will always boost your confidence.
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Pro’s Answer
Skydiving? That would definitely be out of MY comfort zone!! I don't think I'd ever have the nerve to try that actually.
Maybe try learning something hard and complicated, like accounting, that you'll be proud of yourself for learning, and you can make a lot of money working in that field.
Maybe try learning something hard and complicated, like accounting, that you'll be proud of yourself for learning, and you can make a lot of money working in that field.
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Rachel’s Answer
A good first step to venture out of your comfort zone would be to try something you've never done before. Pick a new hobby - don't be afraid to make a mistake. Get comfortable with taking a risk. Try messing up and be forgiving with yourself. Agree that you will be supportive of yourself whether you succeed or not. If you can laugh at yourself and not take yourself too seriously, you are on the right path!
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Scott’s Answer
Hi Aldo,
For me, the first step to stepping out of my comfort zone was asking questions and engaging with individuals who were involved in the industry that I wanted to get into. From the outside it often seems like it is a burden to ask people questions, but you would be surprised how passionate and eager to help many professionals are. The best advice comes from experience and breaking through that uncomfortable barrier will get you one step closer to your end goal. I hope this helped!
For me, the first step to stepping out of my comfort zone was asking questions and engaging with individuals who were involved in the industry that I wanted to get into. From the outside it often seems like it is a burden to ask people questions, but you would be surprised how passionate and eager to help many professionals are. The best advice comes from experience and breaking through that uncomfortable barrier will get you one step closer to your end goal. I hope this helped!
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Stephanie’s Answer
Great question. This is something that most people struggle with throughout their life. We as humans often become complacent in our day to day routines and our norms that many simply forget to try new things.
The fact that you are even acknowledging this is great first step in stepping out of your comfort zone. It is important to note that regardless of how it may seem, EVERYONE feels uncomfortable from time to time, and that is ok. That is where the growth happens. Just dive in!
The fact that you are even acknowledging this is great first step in stepping out of your comfort zone. It is important to note that regardless of how it may seem, EVERYONE feels uncomfortable from time to time, and that is ok. That is where the growth happens. Just dive in!
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Jason’s Answer
What of the best things you can do is research the concept of "Growth Mindset." It has really helped me in my personal and professional career. There are plenty of great videos on youtube or you can read the book from Carol Dweck. I have the privilege of teaching this topic to other employees now. A growth mindset is all about getting over the fear of trying new things. Most people stay in their comfort zones because they are afraid of looking foolish in front of peers, or getting punished for failing, or simply feel like they can't learn a new skill. Shifting to a growth mindset will help you get over these things. Remember that everyone starts somewhere. I would suggest a few ways to start:
Purposely take on challenges that are difficult or scare you.
Stop worrying about looking foolish- looking foolish means you are learning.
Embrace the “Power of Yet” (as in “I’m not good at this task YET” or "I don't know how to do this yet")
Do one thing every week that scares you.
Make changes to your routine and record the results.
Learn to value and reward effort and progress and not just the end result.
Stop seeking approval or stressing over being perfect.
Take time to reflect on failure and success. Ask "What did I learn from this?"
Use the iterative process.
Try, try, try again. Don't give up after the first obstacle.
Purposely take on challenges that are difficult or scare you.
Stop worrying about looking foolish- looking foolish means you are learning.
Embrace the “Power of Yet” (as in “I’m not good at this task YET” or "I don't know how to do this yet")
Do one thing every week that scares you.
Make changes to your routine and record the results.
Learn to value and reward effort and progress and not just the end result.
Stop seeking approval or stressing over being perfect.
Take time to reflect on failure and success. Ask "What did I learn from this?"
Use the iterative process.
Try, try, try again. Don't give up after the first obstacle.
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Marina’s Answer
It depends on what your comfort zone means to you. For me, I was always very afraid of going up to people first and striking a conversation. This was true both personally and professionally. So I started slow by going talking to the person I sat next to in class, going to professional info sessions or career fairs and asking questions at the booths, and signing up for clubs and attending an event or two. I ended up making a ton of connections this way, and some of the people I met in class have ended up being my best friends. Additionally, I got a better sense of what I was looking for out of a career and broadened my professional network.
Let's say you're looking to get out of your comfort zone in a professional environment. I suggest thinking critically about your end goal and working backwards off of it to find the first step. For example, if your goal is to become an investment banker, visualize yourself in your role on Wallstreet. What do you have to do to get there? You have to nail your interviews, and to get to that stage, you have to be able to answer technical finance questions among behavioral questions. To answer those questions, you have to practice working on your soft interview skills and your hard skills by thinking about your answers and learning the answers to questions you don't know. How do you do that? Finding training resources at school and online and making a study plan. How can you access those materials? Usually by asking people questions. So what's the first step? Finding out who might be able to help you, and reaching out to them.
Let's say you're looking to get out of your comfort zone in a professional environment. I suggest thinking critically about your end goal and working backwards off of it to find the first step. For example, if your goal is to become an investment banker, visualize yourself in your role on Wallstreet. What do you have to do to get there? You have to nail your interviews, and to get to that stage, you have to be able to answer technical finance questions among behavioral questions. To answer those questions, you have to practice working on your soft interview skills and your hard skills by thinking about your answers and learning the answers to questions you don't know. How do you do that? Finding training resources at school and online and making a study plan. How can you access those materials? Usually by asking people questions. So what's the first step? Finding out who might be able to help you, and reaching out to them.
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Barbara’s Answer
Hi Aldo,
This is a great question and one I think we all face in both our personal and profession careers. I think a nice first step is take a moment and think about your current situation. Are there things/opportunities in your current situation that you would like to do but because you haven't because it puts you outside your comfort zone? If you have a few of those situations, they might be a great place to start because they are things/opportunities you are interested in.
Before you try one of those new opportunities take a moment to think: What is making you uncomfortable? Is there a way to make it easier and still participate? You may also find that, like most of us, you will need to be uncomfortable for a while in a new situation and that is perfectly fine.
To sum up, pick something you want to do which is outside your comfort zone, think if there is a way to make it easier and if not know most people are uncomfortable in new situations.
Once you have done one of these new experiences, take a moment and feel good about your accomplishment. Then you can repeat the process to continue to put yourself in new and more varied situations.
As you move into your career, it will always be important to accept new roles, work with different colleagues and possibly change careers. The time you spend on the skill of stepping out of your comfort zone will be well rewarded.
This is a great question and one I think we all face in both our personal and profession careers. I think a nice first step is take a moment and think about your current situation. Are there things/opportunities in your current situation that you would like to do but because you haven't because it puts you outside your comfort zone? If you have a few of those situations, they might be a great place to start because they are things/opportunities you are interested in.
Before you try one of those new opportunities take a moment to think: What is making you uncomfortable? Is there a way to make it easier and still participate? You may also find that, like most of us, you will need to be uncomfortable for a while in a new situation and that is perfectly fine.
To sum up, pick something you want to do which is outside your comfort zone, think if there is a way to make it easier and if not know most people are uncomfortable in new situations.
Once you have done one of these new experiences, take a moment and feel good about your accomplishment. Then you can repeat the process to continue to put yourself in new and more varied situations.
As you move into your career, it will always be important to accept new roles, work with different colleagues and possibly change careers. The time you spend on the skill of stepping out of your comfort zone will be well rewarded.
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Ryan’s Answer
When I first started at UBS, it was my first full time job after college. The first thing I had to do that was totally outside of my comfort zone was speaking to clients that have accounts with UBS. I was very nervous that I would mess up or say the wrong thing or get yelled out. Turns out.. it may have been one of the easiest phone call I made. Looking back, the best thing to do is be prepared and just do it but start off small be confident, anticipate what questions or things the client may ask you. After a couple times speaking to a client, it was normal and I realized our clients are people, just like us.
Paul Brennan
Provide investment advice to and facilitate transactions for clients
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Paul’s Answer
Every person's comfort zone is different. In general, we all divide our time between doing what we need to do and what we want to do. The amount of time we dedicate to our studies and career related activities ramps up in high school and continues to rise when we enter college or join the work force. Over time people adjust to the fact that more time is spent studying and working but the transition from high school to college and from college to their first job can be rough. A lot of the requirements are new and a lot of time is spent analyzing and executing at a more demanding level. As you go through those transitions it is important to prepare yourself mentally, physically and emotionally for the experience. The first step is to spend some time thinking about the direction you want to go in, whether it's applying to certain colleges or pursuing job offers in a certain field of work. This requires introspection, which is not always an easy thing to do. Ask yourself why you want to do what you are considering. The answer to that question provides the motivation to focus on your goal and to pursue it with passion and discipline. Focus also contributes to working smarter, which is important given the number of demanding tasks involved. These require greater efficiency in order to successfully complete them. Finally, a balance has to be struck between stress and recovery. The intensity of these transitions requires that we take care of ourselves physically. That includes getting the necessary amount and quality of sleep, exercise and nutrition. The overarching goal is not only to get out of your comfort zone but to do the best that you are capable of.
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Jeremy’s Answer
Great question! Sounds like you’re already on track to stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s easy to get complacent in any facet of life. Do something spontaneous that you typically wouldn’t do. Ask the questions that you’ve always wanted to but never had the courage to do so. Try something new that you’ve always found interesting. There are so many ways to get started. The biggest takeaway for me is you just have to do it. Put yourself out there for whatever it may be and you’ll quickly realize its either A) not as bad as you had once thought or B) its not for you and that’s fine. You’ll regret walking through life in your comfort zone!
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Justin’s Answer
I recently joined a new company and after 15 years at previous company and first step for me was to try and recreate what made me successful in previous company and have an open mind to learn new ways of doing things and begin forming new relationships before attempting to implement changes. Also to keep in mind that in a new company no one knows your previous weaknesses and can be easier to get out of comfort zones
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Kevin’s Answer
I think the first step is to put yourself out there. Too often we are held up on the prospect of "what could go wrong" vs. "what could we gain". When I first started out working in financial services I was apprehensive about speaking on the phone with clients. I was weighed down by worries of 'not knowing what to say', 'dealing with difficult clients', 'messing up' or ultimately just stumbling through conversations. Not once did it cross my mind of what could go well, and what that would look like. The flip side of this was thoughtful conversations that lead to assisting clients with accomplishing and planning out their goals. By remembering why I wanted to do this in the first place you can reprioritize what is the most important to you, and why you entered into the venture to begin with.
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Veton’s Answer
Getting out of your comfort zone is a challenge however it is also the first step in seeing actual growth. In my career and personal life I have been in situations where the odds were against me. This was very challenging however it made me very uncomfortable. I would advise that you really take some time in creating a vision for yourself and for your future. I am not expecting you to have all the answers and know every step that you will take however I would start by designing in your head the life you want to live and possibly the career choices you would like to explore. Once you have a vision in a plan it is time to take the first step. You will realize that you will be doing things you've never done before and facing challenges along the way. These challenges will make you feel uncomfortable however you will learn and sometimes feel pain throughout the process. Once you feel this way just realize you got out of your comfort zone and are now growing. Good luck to you all the best.
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neil’s Answer
I think you've already taken the first step by asking the question.
"Comfort Zone" is personal so its difficult to individualize and answer.
i had a similar conversation with my daughter when she was a teenager & i always stressed that those first steps are simply doing somethin you haven't done before...it could be something very simple and something that you dont necessarily feel uncomfortable doing...but its a first step. Through her teenage years my daughter volunteered (homeless shelters, foodbanks, walking dogs at dog shelter etc etc)...it wasnt something that she was uncomfortable with, just simply something she hadn't done before...its a great first step. If possible getting a part-time job is a huge step - there will be things with working that you just are not used to - communicating with a broad spectrum of people, taking instructions, being accountable - sound simple but will push your boundaries.
Your point of 'learning new things' is great - because however much you enjoy those new things there will be moments where you're unsure and that'll lead to being uncomfortable.
Great points in previous answers about baby steps - very well taken. You'll get confidence from success's .
But i'll go back to my first point & reiterate - that you've already taken the first step by posting here.
Good Luck Aldo
"Comfort Zone" is personal so its difficult to individualize and answer.
i had a similar conversation with my daughter when she was a teenager & i always stressed that those first steps are simply doing somethin you haven't done before...it could be something very simple and something that you dont necessarily feel uncomfortable doing...but its a first step. Through her teenage years my daughter volunteered (homeless shelters, foodbanks, walking dogs at dog shelter etc etc)...it wasnt something that she was uncomfortable with, just simply something she hadn't done before...its a great first step. If possible getting a part-time job is a huge step - there will be things with working that you just are not used to - communicating with a broad spectrum of people, taking instructions, being accountable - sound simple but will push your boundaries.
Your point of 'learning new things' is great - because however much you enjoy those new things there will be moments where you're unsure and that'll lead to being uncomfortable.
Great points in previous answers about baby steps - very well taken. You'll get confidence from success's .
But i'll go back to my first point & reiterate - that you've already taken the first step by posting here.
Good Luck Aldo
Emily Bentley
Senior Pension Benefit Analyst/Jr. Project Manager
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Answers
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Emily’s Answer
Hi Aldo!
What a great question, with some great answers already! So far, I think everyone has done a great job on describing how to look into yourself to discover what makes you uncomfortable and where your comfort level lies. Personally, my tip is to make a list using the prompts here. That's always helped me to look within and formulate my thoughts into some sort of plan. Think of things that scare you, that you'd like to be or see withing yourself, and things that you're interested in. Once you have this, then start to break down each goal into steps to get there, and see what interests you the most or what's easiest to attain the fastest and start there! You can then use that list to check off your accomplishments and journal how stepping out of your comfort level has been! Once you've accomplished one, you may want to dive into whatever it was in more depth. Embrace that interest and see where it takes you! If not, move onto the next goal.
While all that may sound very regimented to some, I find it helps me continuously work towards doing or trying something interesting, or to better myself. What I also enjoy, and my other tip, is to embrace the here and now. Much like your comfort zone, this is different to everyone and may mean creating and tackling that list of goals one by one. It could also mean embracing that list(or not using a list at all), and also embracing the spontaneous and taking chances. Though I have things on my list I'm always trying to work towards, if I see something I haven't tried along the way, or just something that interests me, I try to take the time to try it or look into it. It may sound cheesy, but enjoy the here and now while working for the future!
Enjoy exploring what you like, and good luck!
What a great question, with some great answers already! So far, I think everyone has done a great job on describing how to look into yourself to discover what makes you uncomfortable and where your comfort level lies. Personally, my tip is to make a list using the prompts here. That's always helped me to look within and formulate my thoughts into some sort of plan. Think of things that scare you, that you'd like to be or see withing yourself, and things that you're interested in. Once you have this, then start to break down each goal into steps to get there, and see what interests you the most or what's easiest to attain the fastest and start there! You can then use that list to check off your accomplishments and journal how stepping out of your comfort level has been! Once you've accomplished one, you may want to dive into whatever it was in more depth. Embrace that interest and see where it takes you! If not, move onto the next goal.
While all that may sound very regimented to some, I find it helps me continuously work towards doing or trying something interesting, or to better myself. What I also enjoy, and my other tip, is to embrace the here and now. Much like your comfort zone, this is different to everyone and may mean creating and tackling that list of goals one by one. It could also mean embracing that list(or not using a list at all), and also embracing the spontaneous and taking chances. Though I have things on my list I'm always trying to work towards, if I see something I haven't tried along the way, or just something that interests me, I try to take the time to try it or look into it. It may sound cheesy, but enjoy the here and now while working for the future!
Enjoy exploring what you like, and good luck!
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Cooper’s Answer
I strongly believe that asking questions and being engaged is the first step in leaving your comfort zone. Our comfort zone is what we feel safe in but it is also very restricting. When you can leave your comfort zone and can be engaged you can begin to broaden your horizons. I am a big proponent of speaking with those older than you who have more experience in a certain field and sitting down to ask them about recommendations for someone like yourself and their experiences. I think that many people are intimidated by looking "dumb" or naïve when they ask questions but that is in fact the opposite. It is totally acceptable to be completely unaware of things but I recommend just trying it and learning as you go.
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Lori’s Answer
Great question! Don't be afraid to try new things! You will regret not trying! This is about taking steps that will help to build your confidence. First is to assert your intention or objective. Say it out loud, say it to others. Surround yourself with a support system who will encourage you. Don't be afraid of failure, this is expected and part of the process, and will help you to learn and grow. Every success will push you even further!
Good luck!
Good luck!
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meredith’s Answer
Hi there! What has helped me in the past, is getting comfortable with being uncomfortable in certain situations. Everyone at one time or another feels uncomfortable when stepping out of their comfort zone; however, try and reach out to someone you're familiar with during that time and ask questions!
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Pat’s Answer
Hi Aldo,
Its important to continuously seek new opportunities to broaden your horizons, either personally or professionally. It might be joining a seminar to learn more about a specific business function, or it could be joining a networking event to meet new people and learn about different industries/positions. It can also be something not even related to a career, like learning an instrument. Continuously challenging yourself and having discipline for your goals carries over into all aspects of your life and can help you excel in all facets.
Stepping out of your comfort zone in a big way or a small way is always progress nonetheless!
Its important to continuously seek new opportunities to broaden your horizons, either personally or professionally. It might be joining a seminar to learn more about a specific business function, or it could be joining a networking event to meet new people and learn about different industries/positions. It can also be something not even related to a career, like learning an instrument. Continuously challenging yourself and having discipline for your goals carries over into all aspects of your life and can help you excel in all facets.
Stepping out of your comfort zone in a big way or a small way is always progress nonetheless!
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Craig’s Answer
Awesome question, first step out of your comfort zone would be the realization that you need to do so! You have already got the jump start on that, then the next step in my opinion would be to get yourself out there and talk to people and spark conversations that you normally would not. Use any and all help to get out of your comfort zone, if you do not use your connections then you will only do what you know, which in turn will not be stepping out of your comfort zone. If you use the connections whether that be personal or business related this will allow you to use others information and ideas to help persuade yourself to go outside the comfort zone. Also, once you start to feel uneasy about something, that is how you know you are making progress as it is supposed to feel odd and uncomfortable! Hope this helps!
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Kyle’s Answer
Challenge yourself to proactively seek out opportunities to expand your comfort zone. Don't worry too much about what the result might ne when trying to tackle something for the first time, as the experience will always be worth it and will be educational.
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Emily’s Answer
Great question! I found myself in this position as well when I was first starting out, and I would say the first thing is that when it comes to getting outside of your comfort zone, try not to overthink it before doing it. The hardest part is just doing it and experiencing it, and once you go through the motions, you can start to reflect and better your process moving forward. It's sometimes hard to relate to other people that you don't know, but we are all people just like you! Everyone gets uncomfortable, but pushing through it is super important because once the experience is there, the next time you step out of your comfort zone, it will already be easier. Good luck!
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Gloria’s Answer
Hi Aldo,
You have gotten some good answers here. I do wonder how far out of your comfort zone you want to get. I think that one great way to get out of your comfort zone is to volunteer. I recommend finding a local organization that you are passionate about supporting. My favorite place to volunteer for is HopeKids (www.hopekids.org). Why is it my favorite? They do such a wide variety of events, that I am usually doing something that I have never done before. The core of it is making sure that the families get tickets, get support, have their pictures taken, etc. But they are doing this at a wide variety of events from learning how to cook to walking mini-horses to going to a hockey game. Helping families with children who have severe illness and disabilities is very much out of my comfort zone.
Gloria
You have gotten some good answers here. I do wonder how far out of your comfort zone you want to get. I think that one great way to get out of your comfort zone is to volunteer. I recommend finding a local organization that you are passionate about supporting. My favorite place to volunteer for is HopeKids (www.hopekids.org). Why is it my favorite? They do such a wide variety of events, that I am usually doing something that I have never done before. The core of it is making sure that the families get tickets, get support, have their pictures taken, etc. But they are doing this at a wide variety of events from learning how to cook to walking mini-horses to going to a hockey game. Helping families with children who have severe illness and disabilities is very much out of my comfort zone.
Gloria
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lorri ann’s Answer
Such great answers! For me stepping out means just that, get yourself out there, join local groups and community work is also a great start. Do things alone, turn your phone off, go completely solo, do things you wouldn't normally do, break up your routine. Like everyone else has said, you have already taken the first step by coming here! Bravo and good luck to you
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Jeff’s Answer
Consider viewing whatever you feel that is out of your comfort zone as a challenge and an opportunity for a new experience. Try to not be concerned with how you feel others will view you or perceive you. I was always shy, but as I have aged I have become much more confident in myself and less worried about what others think. This has helped me put myself out there more, ask questions, be more brave in social settings. Obviously more opportunities to get out of your comfort zone will help break down those artificial, mental barriers. Cheers
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Sandrea’s Answer
I agree that "comfort zone" is subjective. Some people prefer to "rip the bandaid off" and jump right into the discomfort and lean into it, others prefer to start slow. Personally, I find that doing one thing out of your comfort zone or one thing that scares you each day is very helpful. You can also start by practicing with trusted friends or family and ask for feedback or advice.
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Fred’s Answer
If it's feasible, take a trip somewhere foreign - different language, currency, culture, etc. For me, there's few other "fish out of water" experiences that compare. It makes you quickly realize how many things you take for granted / put on auto pilot at home.
Maybe COVID (or other factors) make that impossible. In this case, think about all the common interests among your friend group. Surely there's something you're interested in that you keep a bit to yourself. Example: If most of your friends are on the football team ... but you dabble with instruments / songwriting at home ... go hit an open mic night and meet some new people / put yourself out there!
Maybe COVID (or other factors) make that impossible. In this case, think about all the common interests among your friend group. Surely there's something you're interested in that you keep a bit to yourself. Example: If most of your friends are on the football team ... but you dabble with instruments / songwriting at home ... go hit an open mic night and meet some new people / put yourself out there!
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Jim’s Answer
Hello Aldo - great question and I see you received some good advice already in previous responses. Adding my own thoughts - I believe the first step is to be comfortable ... being uncomfortable. One way to do this is coming to the realization and acknowledging that everyone is human and we are all learning; daily. Everyone you meet who is an expert in their field or really good at something you want to try ... at some point had a first day doing it. That initial hurdle of starting something new gets a little shorter when you think differently.