Beyond Comfort Zones

[innersky23]

Who wants to be uncomfortable? NOBODY!
But being uncomfortable in a constructive sense, means that you're developing and growing!

It's true.
Let's illustrate this.
Here's an example of two people.  One by the name of Jerry, and the other by the name of Bill.

Example 1: BILL
Bill dreams of a great social life.  Bill also has social anxiety and is scared stiff in approaching other people.  He can't do this when grocery shopping, when taking his kids to a soccer game, or even when wanting to ask a girl out on a date.  Bill also avoids picking up phone calls, and goes out his way to not make friends.  He's had a gym membership for 3 years and has only gone 10 times!  He hates doing anything social and would rather be comfortable and safe at home.

Example 2: JERRY
Jerry also has social anxiety, and has the same fears as Bill.
BUT...
Jerry has been doing research on his anxieties, and is determined to change his life.  He knows that he can't achieve his life goals or dreams without other people.  So, he makes it a goal to see as many people as possible.  He purposely works out at the gym every day in the afternoon during rush hour.  He makes it a goal to say hi to 5 people a day, and start conversations with 2 of them.  He signed up for classes at his gym; Yoga and Weight Training.  Jerry's even made a facebook page.  He's doing all he can to improve his chances of success in creating his dream social life.

Now, who do you think will achieve SUCCESS faster?

Of course, Jerry!  He's modified his environment with desire boosters, and made a commitment to change his mind set in regards to people and socializing. Whereas Bill is hung up in his old ways and is resistant to change.
Getting out of your comfort zone may be uncomfortable now, but the more uncomfortable you get now the more comfortable you'll be later!

[Barnowl]

Great Post...and VERY inspirational

Having been someone who was socially anxious in the last decade, trust me it can be uncomfortable...but if you stick at it, the rewards are limitless.

You begin to feel empowered and mentally more, 'strong'

[personalreality]

kind of "the secret"ish for me, but true.

worth consideration.

[Bordmb]

I applied that when I changed schools. I literally walked up to groups that were total strangers to me and introduced myself. One girl even said, "You're way more confident than other new kids."
That made me smile because I was used to being the shy kid.

NJROTC helped too.  (Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps)

[zConcept]

I used to be hardcore gym head. There was nothing worse than someone breaking my rhythm by trying to talk to me while I was lifting weights. Mostly by other guys who were interested in learning why I was so successful at what I was doing. Of course being a nice guy I would indulge their them. This however was seen in my eyes a setback to my workout and reduced my effective training.

Although a lot of people do use the gym as a social place there are always those people who do not want to be approached.

Keep this in mind! Otherwise this is sound advice.