Step outside your comfort zone
An incredible useful, but often underestimated soft skill to learn. Find out how you can learn it today.
This inspiration for this week’s article does not come from my internship. It comes from the Instagram takeover I am currently doing for TUM, where I share my overall exchange experience in Singapore.
Since my initial post this Saturday, I learned that being able to spot feelings of uncomfort and actually do something against them is an awesome softkill to learn.
Why did I have to step out of my comfort zone?
Before the takeover, I used Instagram once a week for 5-10min. I couldn’t even think of doing Instagram stories where I tell people about my life. In the last 24 hours, I posted more than 15 stories.
Whenever I take out my phone to record myself, it feels weird. I am definitely not yet comfortable when I talk to my phone in front of other people. Still, I convince myself to just do it. And I encourage you to do so too!
Two steps you can take to step out of your own comfort zone
It takes a bit of practice to recognize when you feel uncomfortable. Once you master that, it takes, however, even more practice to actually ignore the feeling and get started.
If you get these two things down, you have an incredible softkill at your disposal to leverage in your personal and professional life. In your next internship, you will very likely face situations outside of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid. Use them as opportunities to learn and improve. The next time you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your crush, believe me, you will actually do it.
There are many opportunities to practice stepping out of your comfort zone. You certainly don’t have to become an Instagram influencer, but just pay a bit more attention when you go about your next day tomorrow. Start small (sending an old friend a text message to ask for a call to catch up) and work yourself up (asking for a 10% discount without reason the next time you order coffee).
I hope you find any value in what I talked about today. If you did, as always, share this with your friends or colleagues to get them on the same track.
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