There are moments in all our social anxiety-ridden lives when watching the world from behind the protective screen of our comfort zone seems much more plausible than taking unfamiliar actions and risking uncertainty. But what if you knew what to expect (plus or minus a couple of emotional breakdowns)? I forebodingly took that chance, and here's what I got:
Phase One: Immediate withdrawal symptom
While this is an expected response, it is definitely worth mentioning. The moment you decided to take a step forward, you’ll start feeling emotionally fragile and, for the most part, terrified. Taking the first step is almost like jumping off a cliff: impulsive and exhilarating at first, but entirely terrifying nonetheless.
Phase Two: Questioning every decision you have made so far
As is the ritual followed by every impulsive decision, you’ll now question every decision you’ve made until now. “What was I thinking?" and "What am I even doing here?” will be among the first few questions you’ll ask yourself. That time you picked that bagel over the croissant? Yes, you’ll question that decision too. To quote Pink, “It’s only half past the point of no return”.
Phase Three: Newfound uncertainty about your own sense of identity
Whether it’s talking to someone you always felt awestruck by, wearing that risqué outfit, or trying that flavor of macarons that always intimidated you, you’re suddenly doing things you wouldn’t have thought possible in your wildest dreams. You’re now deviating from the expected course of actions you’ve set for yourself, so it’s no wonder that “who am I?” seems to be the ever-flashing phrase in front of your eyes.
Phase Four: The sudden realization that you’re actually having fun
It may seem impossible when you begin on this journey of venturing, but this unpredictable phase will appear at the most unpredictable moment. One second you are squeamishly putting that weird lemon-flavored macaron in the cave of your taste buds, the next moment you realize this flavor is actually pretty fantastic. (Not as good as the chocolate flavor, though. Nothing is as good as chocolate.)
Phase Five: Feeling proud of how far you’ve come
Congratulations! You survived. You conquered your nerves. Whatever the outcome of your action may be, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you took the chance. Now the next time you find yourself reaching for that chocolate-flavored macaron, you don’t have to feel guilty about neglecting that pristine lemon-flavored one. At least you gave it a shot!
All jokes aside, when you do push yourself out of your comfort zone, your experience might not be as you thought it would be. It might be exponentially better or miserably worse. But the pulsating excitement you’ll feel when you realize the impossible task you’ve accomplished will certainly be worth it. So, you do you! But once in a while, take the risk.
