It’s the easiest thing in the world to seek comfort from the things you know or are familiar with, but what about the things you’ve never tried? Only by living outside of our comfort zones will we ever be able to overcome our fears and live without any regrets. The older we get, the more afraid we become to try new things and risk failure. Failing is the only way to be successful because you discover what you’re good at and what doesn’t work. Here are five tips for overcoming that fear and breaking out of your comfort zone:
1. Change your way of thinkingWhat’s stopping you from taking a big leap of faith and asking that cute guy out? If you don’t say anything, he’ll never notice you and never know that you’re attracted to him. Only by changing your mindset from “I can’t do this” or “He won’t like me” to “I’ll keep trying” and “I won’t know until I ask,” will you find out if you ever had a chance. There’s nothing worse than living with regret. Take a gamble, and go for it!
2. Ask your friends to take the plunge with youWhether you’re afraid of heights or you can’t stand spiders, ask your friends to help you overcome your fear. Getting out of your comfort zone is easier when there is strength in numbers. Ask your friends to help you overcome your fear of spiders by visiting a pet store or by asking them to watch your speech if you’re afraid to speak in public.
3. Trust your gutIf your instinct tells you to do something or to take an opportunity your mind is against, trust them. Making snap decisions or trusting your gut will develop the trust you have in yourself. Most of the time, the tingling or nervous sensation you feel is because you know you really want to do something or you know it’s the right decision, and your body is trying to let you know. Sometimes, making a spontaneous decision is the only way to get the ball rolling. It’ll also teach you to trust your own judgment.
4. Take it slowDon’t think you have to suddenly and completely change the way you do things. Getting comfortable taking risks is like beginning a diet. You can’t change the way you live your life overnight. Taking it slow and steady will not only help your mind catch up with and accept change, but you’ll also feel more comfortable in new situations. If you get anxious in social settings, don’t think you have to smile at everyone you meet and instantly begin a conversation with them. Instead, muster the courage to smile slightly or nod your head at a few people and spark random conversation with a slightly familiar face.
5. Accept that you can’t control everythingPerfectionists are usually the people who have trouble taking risks or breaking the mold of their everyday lives. Speaking as one, I find it especially difficult to try the new and unknown. I’m consciously aware that I need to face what I’m afraid or wary of because that’s the only way I’ll overcome any barriers I’ve created within myself. You can’t control everything. No job is ever secure, and no grade is ever permanent (unless it stays that way after the semester ends). The only thing you can do is try your best at whatever you’re doing and be satisfied with the work you put into it.
Although it may be hard to accept the fact that there are things in life you’re afraid of or uncomfortable with, that doesn’t mean you’re worth less than anyone else. Instead, make it your life goal to skydive if you are afraid of heights (although I don’t recommend doing it alone), or join an a cappella group if you’re self conscious about your voice. The only way we can grow as collegiettes is to take risks and challenge ourselves on a daily basis.
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