When was the last time you did something that scared you? When was the last time you left your comfort zone?
It’s easy to get stuck in the same old rut. Doing the same thing everyday, which isn’t necessarily bad; and quite honestly, it’s comforting knowing you don’t have to stress about anything new. However, it doesn’t really give you that full sense of accomplishment you can feel when you conquer a new task, go somewhere you have never been, network with people you’ve never met, or just step out of your comfort zone.
No, I am not saying that just because you aren’t adventurous or don’t enjoy trying new things that you don’t feel any sense of accomplishment or fulfillment, because I don’t think that is the case either. However, I do think it is important, especially at a young age, to push yourself out of your comfort zone, even if that means trying something that might scare you.
We are so lucky. You see, we can try new things, and the absolute worst thing that could happen is it didn't work out how we expected. You can add those experiences to your list of things you have done and move on to the next item on your agenda. After all, everything that you do helps make you into the person you are meant to be.
So what holds us back? Is it only F.E.A.R.? What are we scared of? What is so terrifying?
When I was in high school, I attended a Student Council Convention in which I was able to listen to one of my favorite keynote speakers, Bill Johnson. From the engaging presentation that Bill Johnson gave, I took something that I still hold onto to this day. When fear acts as a roadblock in the pathway to pursuing something, we must remember that F.E.A.R. is none other than Fictitious Events Appearing Real.
It’s so easy to create all of these scenarios in our head of things that “might” happen. While these scenarios are possible, usually in the most bizarre and extreme cases, we can’t let these ideas that we make up in our head determine whether or not we pursue something we’ve always wanted or to try something that is out of our comfort zone.
As someone once said, “You are only confined by the walls you build YOURSELF.”
Last weekend I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and participated in my very first pageant, and so far, the results have already been worthwhile.
Therefore, I encourage you to challenge yourself and try something new, even if it scares you!
