“Progress begins at the edge of your comfort zone…”

In order to learn, grow and improve it’s necessary to get comfortable being uncomfortable. It’s a cliché but it’s said for a good reason. It’s true.

The more you are prepared to put yourself in uncomfortable situations, the more comfortable you will become with it. Remember, if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you…

What happened before?

Think back to anything you’ve ever tried new before. You were probably nervous, worrying about what might happen. How you would perform. “What if I can’t do it?” “What if I look silly?” What if, what if….

Then you did that thing. You realised that it wasn’t that bad and you were fine and everything was OK. The more you did that thing the less of a worry it became and you got comfortable doing it.

A new job

This is a perfect example of it. You have an interview, you get the job and it’s time to start. You’re understandably nervous about performing well, making a good impression and getting on well with your colleagues.

By lunchtime on the first day you feel more relaxed. Before you know it you’re out for work drinks and everyone’s new best friend.

Always appreciate the journey

Maybe you never look back on those experiences and reflect on them? These kind of experiences are what help you grow and change, so reflecting on them is important.

Try reflecting on one of these experiences where you were nervous but after the event felt totally comfortable. How does it make you feel?

It’s like a muscle…

It will feel hard to use it at first, but the more you use it the better you get at using it. The stronger you become at flexing that uncomfortable situation muscle skill.