Public speaking is one of the most common social fears or phobias. Many people experience varying degrees of anxiety or fear when speaking in public, whether giving a presentation, delivering a speech, or participating in a group discussion. This fear can range from mild nervousness to severe anxiety.
When the very thought of certain activities evokes fear or anxiety within you, it’s because they’re outside your comfort zone. Public speaking is outside most people’s comfort zone.
Your comfort zone is the sphere of activities you feel comfortable with and can accomplish without negative emotions. It also includes people, places, and things that cause only positive thoughts within you.
How Important is Your Comfort Zone?
Your comfort zone can limit your capabilities and cause you to forsake your dreams and goals, or it can spur you on to great things. Your comfort zone can determine both your personality and your potential for success.
Many successful people achieve their goals because they can get out of their comfort zone to get what they want.
Here are some tips you can use to expand your comfort zone and help fight your anxiety about certain situations:
1. Understand your mindset. Mental conditioning plays a significant role in developing your comfort zone; how we form our comfort zones begins in our minds.
We already have preconceived notions of what may be comfortable and what may not be, and we designate mental guidelines to keep us within our comfort zone.
You have chosen your comfort zone boundaries. Knowing your boundaries is the first step to expanding them.
2. Defy some of your self-imposed rules. If you want to expand your comfort zone, you must let yourself loose from the guidelines you impose on yourself. Breaking some rules will allow you to seek new experiences that can bring tremendous success.
3. Consider the true risk of a situation. Knowing the actual risks is essential instead of what you feel or fear may occur. Knowing the difference can enable you to overcome your limitations.
4. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort level. Many times, we are our own worst enemy when it comes to boundaries and limitations. Sometimes, you must push yourself to get where you want to be. In these instances, you must meet the challenge to leave your comfort zone.
When stepping outside your comfort zone brings you success, you’ll find that the benefits are worth the effort.
You’re bound to be slightly uncomfortable whenever you try something for the first time. We’re all conditioned to fight change and stay in our comfort zones. You may have to remind yourself that only you can push yourself to step outside the box.
As an executive coach, I remind my clients that getting out of their comfort zone is where growth happens, which is one reason they are working with me; otherwise, I would be doing them a disservice.
Be patient, be aware of your self-imposed limitations, and try things in small steps. This way, your comfort zone will expand gradually, and your fears and anxieties will subside as you keep your dreams in sight and gain positive experiences. Expanding your comfort zone is about building new muscle and what it takes to achieve your goals and live the life you dream of.
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