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Grand Magnate
Member Since Sep 2018
Location: Islandia
Posts: 4,263
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#1
Has anyone tried getting out of their comfort zone and if yes, was it worth it and did you grow and progress to being a more socially confident person.
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AzulOscuro, TunedOut
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Threadtastic Postaholic
Member Since Dec 2018
Location: New Jersey
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#2
I think it depends on what the comfort zone is. If you mean trying something new then yes I have done that. But if it means putting yourself in harm(not physical but maybe mental) I do not think you need to do that.
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Grand Poohbah
Member Since May 2019
Location: USA
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#3
My new job has taken me out of my comfort zone since the work is via video conferencing which involves a bit of performance. I know what you mean about the anxiety of it all putting your mental health at risk. I have had to take all my anxiety medications (I try to take less when I can) and also developed a case of scleritis (painful inflammation of the eye) which I know was induced by the stress associated with this new job. However, they say the key to overcoming phobia is exposure therapy and I am getting a bit more aclimated with being "on camera" though I still need my anxiety meds to tackle this.
Life is about trying new things. Dolly Parton says, "You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try." This sums up what is so tragic about having debilitating anxiety and why you should seek help to get it treated if it is holding you back in life. |
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Grand Magnate
Member Since Sep 2018
Location: Islandia
Posts: 4,263
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#4
Yes I suppose there is a “healthy” level to get out of your comfort zone, but not too much so that it causes harm. In the past I’ve gone a little bit out of my comfort zone and felt a little better about myself. When it is too much out of my comfort zone and just not me it’s more detrimental than helpful.
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Grand Magnate
Member Since Oct 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 4,682
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#5
I think that is very wise!
Sometimes I have pushed outside my comfort zone and it has lead to great things - volunteering eventually lead to satisfaction and also a few of my closest friends. However I have also pushed myself too hard too fast at times and that can really knock ones confidence. In my opinion we need to keep trying but be mindful of self care. |
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Member
Member Since Jul 2017
Location: East coast
Posts: 98
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#6
My therapist has and is pushing me to go out beyond my comfort zone is interactions with others. In situations that were not risky of putting myself in any harm. You need to have some tools at your disposal to to help when you start feeling anxiety.
She helped my with immersion therapy doing a series of little things to build of confidence.I went from not going food shopping without someone else with me to going out in public by myself even to a pool. I still get a little anxious but I am able to do it |
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AzulOscuro
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Grand Magnate
Member Since Sep 2018
Location: Islandia
Posts: 4,263
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#7
Recently had lots of anxiety at a meeting and just couldn’t speak up, and it was a speak your mind and it’s ok to complain, kind of, and what can be done to improve things and I just couldn’t. It was my boss’s boss and the top person of the place and 6-7 other coworkers. Two others did not speak up either, and I was nervous just sitting in the meeting and then by the end or towards the end I felt calmer. Wish I could speak easily like others can and envy them.
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Discombobulated, mote.of.soul, TunedOut
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Mad Walker
Member Since Jan 2018
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 13,085
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#8
Yes, I've been pushing myself out of my comfort zone for years. You have no choice if you're on your own. You have to leave the nest daily for one thing or the other, you see, even just for your exercise if you are unable to hold down a job anymore, like me. And on top of that, I've been through the whole 'I'm going to do normal social activities as a way to improve, no - cure - my mental health, just as suggested by everyone!!'. Yes, I had some good times. Yes, it gave me some happy memories. But, alas, @zapatoes, even after years of doing this, my brain refused to change, my maladaptations refused to adapt, and I actually ended up getting worse...
Where was I going wrong? How did I displease the Gods? Oh, well. But this need not be your story @zapatoes and I'm happy it isn't. Just needed to cease the opportunity of your helpful thread, to voice my own experience of mental illness and getting out of the comfort zone. Thank you. |
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AzulOscuro, Discombobulated, TunedOut, zapatoes
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Mad Walker
Member Since Jan 2018
Location: New Zealand
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#9
*would just like to add that I've had years of counseling and meds as well. Can't say we didn't try.
At the end of the day, though, all it is not what it seems out there in the world. Everybody has their own path and their own set of challenges to overcome and/or deal with. Look at the homeless man slumped on the pavement, passed out, drunk. He may have been trying for years to rise above his difficulties, too. Or the doctor who just couldn't overcome his secret inner demon and hangs himself. We mustn't judge. |
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Discombobulated, TunedOut, zapatoes
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Account Suspended
Member Since Oct 2019
Location: You'll never know
Posts: 940
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#10
I did when I returned to college as an undergrad in my late 30s/early 40s. It was worth it initially, and my confidence increased.
But then, after graduating, my confidence plummeted after dealing with an unethical mentor. |
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Discombobulated, mote.of.soul, TunedOut, zapatoes
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Grand Magnate
Member Since Oct 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 4,682
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#11
I agree we mustn't judge- and include judgement of ourselves in that. How many of us judge ourselves harshly?
Self compassion is vital- if we try and have setbacks, at least we tried. Hugs to everyone who has struggled this way. |
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Lilly2, mote.of.soul, TunedOut, zapatoes
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AzulOscuro, Lilly2, mote.of.soul, TunedOut
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Member
Member Since Apr 2020
Location: Christchurch
Posts: 36
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#12
Being uncomfortable whilst going out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow.
No pain, no gain. ERP (Exposure & Response Prevention) techniques are used to overcome anxiety in therapy; here's a video explaining it - YouTube |
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