Many of us are on a quest to become a better version of ourselves. We read read books, listen to podcasts...even attend ‘self coaching’ seminars.
One of the biggest challenges on this journey is stepping out of your comfort zone. Or, in other words, doing the things that excite you while simultaneously scaring the crap out of you.
But when you are able to work through the different emotions it can elicit, you will be left with such an amazing feeling that reminds you you’re alive.
Here are the 5 feelings you experience stepping outside of your comfort zone.
First Feeling: Excitement
You know excitement. It's when the thought of something doesn’t let you sleep and you’re constantly thinking about it.
It’s the same feeling you had when you were a child and your parents bought you that toy you’d been begging for. It’s the exciting feeling you get when you know you’ve got something you’ve wanted for so long.
Usually, this is the first step of getting out of your comfort zone.
It's where you get butterflies in your stomach.
Second Feeling: Nervousness
Now the feeling starts to settle in and you realize you might actually be doing something that is completely outside of what is normal for you.
Doubt creeps in.
“Is this the right thing?”
“Should I really do this?”
“Maybe I need more time..."
This is the most crucial part of stepping outside of your comfort zone because if you get too nervous you’ll back off. But accepting that it is normal can make it easier. However, you may not be off the hook yet.
Third Feeling: Fear
This is the feeling that changes everything. Fear.
Fear is the feeling that stops us from moving forward into the unknown.
We are biologically predisposed to feel fear which is a great thing since it is a powerful tool to keep us safe and alive. However, often times, this ancient and innate feeling can poke its head out when we are actually safe and have nothing to worry about.
When this feeling creeps in, ask yourself, "Do I really have anything to be afraid of?"
Fourth Feeling: Acceptance
When you come to terms with the fact that you’re facing fear and are ready to step outside of your comfort zone, the grace of acceptance washes over you.
It can be one of the best feelings because you are learning to let go of fear. This in itself is a valuable experience as you had the courage to face fear and then walk through it.
And after all your hard work, now it's time for the reward.
Fifth Feeling: The High
This is what makes stepping outside of your comfort zone all worth it.
It is a high unlike anything else because you are not only doing something you've wanted to do for a long time, but you've conquered fear in the process and now reaping the benefits.
It is the combination of bliss, confidence, courage, and gratitude all wrapped up into one life-altering experience.
More than anything else, it makes you feel alive.
Learning to overcome fear and doubt are some of the hardest lessons in life but it is also the most rewarding. I won’t sit here and tell you I am a pro at stepping out of my comfort zone. In fact, I have to constantly remind myself that I will be okay.
It's not always easy. In fact, it's hard. But I know the feeling that is waiting for me at the end of it all and I can convince myself it will be worth it.
The experience is the reward. That is the greatest lesson life can offer.
