“The gnawing discomfort, the chaos, the intellectual vertigo was not an alarm. It was a beacon.” —Ta-Neishi Coates
Risk-taking was easier when we were children. As we get older, the stakes get higher and so do other peoples’ expectations. The obstacles in our lives get tougher, and the fear of failure grows increasingly palpable. It becomes so easy to conform to the same safe routine, avoiding what we find difficult. And that is a shame, because personal growth occurs only when we step out of our comfort zone.
Get uncomfortable
Generally, the word ‘discomfort’ has a negative connotation, but I believe that we need a certain level of discomfort in our learning environments. To challenge yourself is to put yourself in a position of discomfort. It isn’t easy and it requires effort, but more often than not, it is worth it.
In the few months that I’ve been at Western, I’ve been surrounded by people with different skills and different perspectives. I’ve met people who are unafraid to challenge my ideas and shed light on issues that I would’ve otherwise overlooked. There have been times where I’ve felt stressed because there are so many smart people around me, but then I remember that my peers are probably as nervous as I am. That uncertainty, that discomfort—it challenges us to push our limits. It motivates us to take calculated risks, to seize opportunities, and to be open to new experiences. If it feels disorienting, that is good.
For instance, my hardest class this semester is also the most rewarding class I have ever taken. The people are incredibly driven and innovative, and while that is pressuring, it also creates such a fantastic space to learn. I’ve challenged myself to participate more in class, and through this process I’ve begun to trust myself more. I’ve started to raise my hand even when I am not 100% sure about my answer because I want to hear what my peers think about my perspective.
Start small, but do it regularly
Stepping out of your comfort zone does not require a major change in routine. The culmination of smaller actions is just as effective, such as playing a new sport or making a new connection. I also find it really helpful to view challenges as opportunities for personal development. As for myself, I’m taking the initiative to meet new people and I’ve signed up to participate in a business case competition. That being said, we are not obliged to be in a constant state of productivity. Step outside your comfort zone but also don’t be ashamed to step back in when you need to. It is important to push your limits but be thoughtful of how you do it.
Challenge yourself in areas you want to improve
Prior to this summer, I have never attended a formal networking event. Nervously floundering around, awkward attempts to enter a conversation: that was me at my first event. It was intimidating being in a room where almost everyone was more experienced and accomplished than I was. Yet, isn’t this exactly the type of place you would want to be in? This is the opportunity to learn by listening to other people’s stories by observing how professionals interacted. That’s what I realized, which is why I attended another networking event a few weeks later. And then another one. And another one. Nowadays, I still get nervous when I go to such events, but I feel much more confident in how I present myself and I take initiative in starting conversations. Thus, it is necessary to step out of your comfort zone in order to expand it.
So, don’t hold yourself back—embrace discomfort. Step out of your comfort zone, I challenge you.