Out of the comfort zone

I love to feel competent, like I know what I'm doing and that I'm succeeding. Trying something new, on the other hand, is uncomfortable.

It's scary. Having to start from the beginning. Having to ask for help from others. Having to do something badly many times before you can do it well.

I've been trying to learn some new things lately. I am an environmental campaigner and I've been trying to do a lot more online and digital campaigning due to being stuck at home. I thought it would be easy but as I go, I'm learning just how much I don't know. Every day I'm doing something I've never done before. I make mistakes constantly. It's stressful being out of my comfort zone! 

But I am determined to keep going with it. Slowly, I'm building up a toolbox of strategies: 

• Push yourself to step outside your comfort zone rather than shying away from things that are new to you
• Let go of the need to be perfect 
• Ask for help from others - usually people are very happy to provide a bit of guidance! 
• Don't allow your stuff-ups to erode your self-confidence - you are learning! You've got this! 

These are strategies I can apply to many aspects of my life: my work, my hobbies, my relationships. Once you push through the discomfort of trying something new, it can be exhilarating! New knowledge, new skills and new experiences are nourishment for the brain and the soul! 

I once met someone who impressively said: "everyday, I challenge myself to do one thing that scares me". To be quite honest, I don't think I have the energy for that! But I will challenge myself to step outside my comfort zone a little more and embrace learning new things. Wonderful things can come of it.