– Dr. Latika Vaishak Shanbhag
Become Aware of What’s outside of your comfort zone
(FEAR is your Comfort Zone) Think of one thing that you believe is worth doing, but you are afraid of doing it because of failure? Example: Weight loss, Stage fear, Studies, Public relation, etc. Till you don’t come out of your comfort zone, you won’t grow. You will have to push yourself if you wish to succeed.
Become Clear about what you are aiming to overcome.
(Finding the REASON) The primary emotion you are trying to overcome is fear. Example: Are you afraid of walking up to people & introducing yourself in social situations? Reason: Is it because you are insecure about your sound or looks? Or are you afraid of being ignored?
Get comfortable with discomfort.
(Getting the SOLUTION) One way to get outside of your comfort zone is to STOP running away from your discomfort. Example: If you get nervous when you meet new people for the 1st time, try staying with them for a longer time till you overcome your fear or keep meeting new people every time so the fear would fade.
See failure as a teacher.
(You are in Learning Zone) What did you learn from your experience? How can you take that lesson to increase your chances of success? Solution: Began to treat failure as a teacher.
Take Baby Steps.
Take small steps towards the fear you are trying to overcome. Solution: If it is public speaking, start by taking every opportunity to speak to small groups of people. You can even practice with family & friends. Take manageable steps.
Hang out with risktakers.
(This is your Growth Zone) Start being with people who are doing what you want to do. Or start copying their style. Solution: Their influence will start to have an effect on your behavior. You need to take risk to succeed.
Be honest with yourself when you are trying to make excuses.
Don’t make excuses; just be honest. Solution: You will be in a better place to confront what is truly bothering you and increase your chances of moving forward.
Identify How stepping out will benefit you.
Keep the potential benefits in mind as motivation to push through fear. Solution: Your opportunities will grow; you will connect to people and get new ideas. q Focuses on the Fun. Step outside the boundaries of your comfort zone. Solution: You will discover things about yourself that you may not have been aware of before.
