I’ve never been a group project girly. Not because I can’t work well in a group or because I’m not a team player, but because the idea of working with people I don’t know is terrifying for me. While I’m a big advocate for ensuring your anxiety doesn’t stop you from doing something, I’ve always let my anxiety get in the way of group projects. Meeting new people isn’t something I’m good at and I’m sure many people will agree that it’s scary to put yourself out there.
Unfortunately for me, I have three group assignments this year with people I’ve never met. Not only do I have to put myself out there and meet new people, but I also have to collaborate with them on assignments that are worth a good portion of my grade. It’s nothing but anxiety-inducing.
So, I figured I’d make myself a list of ways to balance the anxiety I feel about group projects, with the group projects themselves. I’m crossing my fingers that this list will help not only myself, but also anyone else in this very same predicament.
Pay Attention
Something I’ve found myself doing, that eases my anxiety, is paying attention to my group members. For example, I listen for certain things they say that I can relate to or find something they’re wearing that I can compliment. It’s a quick way to break the ice and it seems to make people more comfortable around me.
Be an Active Communicator
This is super important, especially when it comes to assigning roles, putting work together and planning meeting times. One thing I’ve noticed is that people are much more interested in talking with you and forming a group “relationship” with you if you’re participating in the conversation. I make sure to respond fast to the group chat we create and work together with my group members so I don’t come across as the person who slacks off. It makes me feel better knowing I’m reliable.
Stay off My Phone
This may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised at how easy it is to gravitate towards your phone during these group conversations. It’s a comfort object and I know, at least for myself, that it makes me feel safer and distanced from the people I don’t know. Unfortunately, it also comes across poorly, like I’m not invested or that I don’t care about the rest of the group. For me, it’s worth it to stay off my phone during group conversations, just so my group mates know I care about our project and our grade.
Create a To-Do List
One of my biggest concerns is not finishing my tasks on time. I’m a pretty big procrastinator. So, as much as I hate to admit it, I usually do my best work under pressure. The problem with this is that most people don’t enjoy it when their group mates hand in their work an hour before it’s due. This is where I find to-do lists come in handy. This way, I can make sure I’m staying on task for everyone’s sake.
Get Familiar with Discomfort
It’s going to suck, but it doesn’t have to be awful. It’s alright to feel uncomfortable with things outside of your comfort zone. That being said, it’s important to do those uncomfortable things or you’ll find it harder and harder to do them in the future. So, as much as it may suck to do something out of your comfort zone, like group projects, it’s good to get familiar with that discomfort.
It’s hard to push yourself to do things that give you anxiety, especially when those things are unavoidable. It’s okay if you’re not a group project girly, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a bad time! Do your best and understand that, even if it’s the worst experience of your life, it’ll only last a semester! You can do it!
All my love <3