Stepping outside of your comfort zone exposes you to new ways of thinking, almost always resulting in personal growth. There are all sorts of ways to step outside of your comfort zone. By doing any of the things below, you’re bound to learn new things and grow as a person. What might that look like?
- Inviting a classmate with different opinions out for coffee so you can chat respectfully
- Attending a program or talk on a topic you’ve not experienced before
- Joining a student organization that focuses on something brand new to you
- Talking with a faculty member during office hours
- Applying for a campus job in a new area
- Joining an Intramurals team where you don’t know anyone else
Just think about it: it’s one thing to discuss issues and process through things with those who share your same viewpoint. Yet, it’s quite another to discuss differing viewpoints that challenge your critical thinking skills, causing you to grow stronger in determining where you stand.
And going into a situation where you’re not an expert on the topic can open all sorts of growth opportunities. You may discover an interest you didn’t know you had or meet someone who challenges you positively or be able to practice new skills. That’s what happens when you get outside your comfort zone.
What Fits for You
So, think about all the options there are for comfort-zone busting on campus and in the community! What are three that you might try in the coming month?
Now, circle one of those ideas and add 2-3 action steps so you can put it into practice. For instance…
I’m going to attend an interest meeting for the campus newspaper.
- First, I’ll find out when the next one is.
- Then, I’ll do a bit of research to see how the paper operates: when it’s published, what kind of staffing structure is involved, etc.
- Finally, I’ll attend the next meeting with an open mind, ask questions and take notes to see what possibilities there might be for involvement.
Sure, breaking free from your comfort zone can be uncomfortable at times, yet it’s also one of the best ways to develop new ideas and embrace your many possibilities. Give it a try!
Find other tools like this that you can use within our NEW Building Students’ Soft Skills: Empowering Agency and Interpersonal Abilities – A Facilitation and Teaching Guide.
