What propels you out of your comfort zone?

I like to think that I actively try get out of my comfort zone. I believe it is immensely important for personal and professional growth. For example, as a self diagnosed introvert, I find the act of attending entrepreneurial events and networking very draining and sometimes uncomfortable. However, I realise the value of networking and thus drive myself to participate in these sorts of activities.

Through the two-part strategy of making the comfort zone comfortable and everywhere else uncomfortable, we are pressured to remain within our comfort zones: cozy, content, cloistered.

This is unfortunate. Personal discovery and personal development happen only outside your comfort zone.

Recently though I was asked to describe an event in which I was “Zapped right out of my comfort zone.” I initially thought of networking and public speaking. However, after some reflection, realised that I have performed these acts so many times now that they are now no longer acts which completely take me away from my little bubble.

What really does take me out of my comfort zone then?

Most middle class South Africans are born holding a rugby ball, cricket ball or some sort of toy that they can catch and throw. As they get older, they start to play with their parents, then their friends and eventually get stuck into team sports. My Portuguese grandmother on the other hand was determined that I was kept clean inside the house and didn’t tire myself with menial sports.

Most people fear things like public speaking (glossophobia), heights and socializing with strangers. This gets them out of their comfort zone. I on the other hand fear ball sports. I can run, jog, jump, row and paddle but for the life of me I can’t catch a damn ball.

Ball sports always zap me right out of my comfort zone. That’s why I will be playing more ball sports this year.

What really does take you out of your comfort zone then? I will keep asking this question and keeping leaving my silly little bubble. This is how I will grow, this is how I will conquer myself.