Step outside your comfort zone. It’s one of those phrases that have never failed to make me cringe. After all, it’s called comfort zone for a reason. Last time I checked being uncomfortable wasn’t high on everyone’s to do list, right?
As you can tell, I’ve never exactly been a big risk taker. In fact, I’m not a risk taker at all. I’m the girl that brings four extra batteries to every standardized test just in the case the ones I just replaced in my calculator burn out. I’m the girl that sets two I-phone alarms as well as alarm clock with a buzzer that could wake up Sleeping Beauty from her spellbound state every night – just in case. I’m the girl who panics a little bit crossing the street before the sign changes even though there’s not a vehicle in sight.
But I decided to widen my horizons. This year I wanted to take more leaps. For instance, I joined Rangila; Georgetown’s biggest, baddest South Asian style dance group. All right, so more like a hop. It’s not exactly Katniss-Everdeen-volunteer-as-tribute risk worthy, but hey I’m trying. Baby steps. And you know what? It’s been really fun! Am I really nervous for the performance? Absolutely. But it was a great opportunity to learn something different, meet new people, and enjoy myself. Even if I fail miserably on stage, that’s reward enough. But, my latest dancing endeavors are not the point. The point is that if I can do it, so can you.
As I thought about it more, I realized the true reason most people hesitate to take risks. It’s fear. Fear of judgment. Fear of regret. Fear of failure. I don’t know about you, but I have no interest in being labeled a coward. As someone once told me, it’s better to regret the things you’ve done, than to regret not doing something. The reality is that when people put themselves out there most of the time we respect them for it. Fear shouldn’t be your crutch. Don’t shrink from an opportunity; it just might be worth your while!
I’m not telling you to go sign up for skydiving. Little every day acts can have just the same effect: take a fashion risk, audition for that lead role, join a new club, take a chance on that guy in your psychology class, run for a leadership position. Especially at college it’s easy to fall into a comfortable routine: eat, sleep, study, repeat. Spice it up a little bit. Add a little excitement and adventure into your life. You never know who you could meet or what you might have a hidden talent for! So go ahead and step outside your comfort zone, it will still be there when you get back.
After writing this, I’m feeling pretty inspired: maybe tonight I’ll just set one alarm. J
Quote of the Week: “We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” – Oprah Winfrey