Trying Something New Outside of Your Comfort Zone
A guide to overcome your fears when trying something new.
If you’re a part of this expat community, chances are you’ve had to do things that are outside of your comfort zone without having much choice. Moving your entire life to another city or country, being sent to a new team mid-season, flying abroad during a pandemic - these are all examples of times when you’ve had to do something outside of your comfort zone while living this lifestyle. As I reflect back on my own experience of this, I am grateful for the opportunity they gave me to grow. Because that is exactly what stepping outside of your comfort zone is; an opportunity to discover something new about yourself and the world around you.
Of course this all sounds great in theory. But I know first-hand how scary it can be to actually do something different. So, here are three tips I’ve created to help you to step outside of your comfort zone!
ONE
Ask yourself, “what is the worst thing that could happen?” Let’s say you are asked to go out for dinner with the girls from your new team and are nervous about meeting everyone. The worst thing that could happen? You don’t hit it off with any of the girls and your dinner comes out cold. What is more likely to happen is you make new connections and discover who you jive with. But regardless, by asking yourself this question you will find that the worst case scenario usually isn’t that bad.
TWO
Reframe your mind. Instead of looking at something as either a success or a failure, see it as simply an experience. Whether it was good or bad, you still tried something new and likely learned something along the way.
THREE
And last but not least, use “I am” affirmations. This has been a game changer for me. Some examples of these affirmations are “I am confident and strong. I deserve good things. I am intelligent and capable” etc. When I’m feeling nervous, I read these affirmations to build my confidence and bring my mind back to the present moment.
I hope that these little tricks help to calm your nerves when trying something new! Being nervous is a natural response to uncertainty, but looking back I’ve never regretted stepping out of my comfort zone. It has always led to new discoveries and personal growth.
