Commentary: Breaking out of your comfort zone

  • Published
  • By SMSgt Elise Redziniak, First Sergeant, AF Life Cycle Management Center
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” - Neale Donald Walsch
    
Think back to a time when you took a chance at a new opportunity and experienced a nerve wracking feeling of not knowing what the future holds or if you would be successful. One of the biggest leaps of faith that I have taken in my life is joining the Air Force. Initially, each step of the way was in an unfamiliar environment that ranged from basic training, technical school, and transitioning to my permanent duty station all while trying to figure out how to be a good Airmen and learn my job. There were many unknowns during that time for me. As you look back on your situation, you realize those uncomfortable and unknowing paths may have led you to where you are today. For many of us, joining the military has afforded incredible opportunities, unique experiences, and lifelong connections. Those doors opened due to taking that leap of faith and operating out of our comfort zones. 

Senior Airman Presley Griffith, a 36th Mobility Response Squadron executive assistant, right, compliments a high school athlete on a practice drill June 6, 2015, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Griffith is a volunteer football coach and offers a free football spring practice camp three times per week as volunteer coach as a preseason training opportunity to Andersen AFB student athletes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Alexander W. Riedel)As we continue to grow as professionals, we desire more opportunities but at times we can get in our own way of pursuing those goals. Many of us can think back to a time when we were stagnant and not challenged while having an inherent desire to do something different but were left with confusion on where to go or a certain degree of apprehension. There are moments when opportunities are presented and the initial reaction is to experience stress symptoms like a racing heart, sweaty hands and self-doubt. When you are cognizant of these triggers, it is important to tell yourself “It is time to push out of my comfort zone.” Self-awareness and the ability to reflect on the opportunity is key to gaining insight when uncertainty is present and to work through it.  In order to make the best decision, consider speaking with a mentor to discuss concerns, advantages and disadvantages of the new opportunity.  Saying yes to new opportunities that you are weary of will allow for personal growth and the ability to develop into a well-rounded leader.  This will provide a certain depth of experience to mentor, lead subordinates and build confidence in yourself.

Perhaps you have a burning desire to step out of your comfort zone and do something different but are not sure where to begin or what growth opportunities even look like. Find a mentor, agency, and explore what you are passionate about. Contacting agencies is important in breaking down barriers that we tend to create in our minds. The agency will be able to provide education on the process versus assuming what it is and answer questions. You may find it easier to continue to try new experiences when you find opportunities that peak your curiosity or ones that you have a passion toward. Communicate with your leaders in what you are seeking so they can offer opportunities as they become available.

Sometimes people need a little encouragement from others to tell them that they can do it and that they will be successful. Mentors have done this and motivated me beyond my comfort zone throughout my career and it truly is invaluable support. As I reflect on those experiences, I’m shocked that I was capable of performing in those situations but I was able to get there by encouraging words and support from supervisors. In addition to helpful leaders, it is vital to have an open mind and to be eager to grow. A positive and motivated attitude will take a person far and give them the ability to rise to levels that they did not know were possible. While pushing yourself out of your comfort zone you will identify your strengths, weaknesses and be a lifelong learner.

We all have potential and the ability but it comes down to the amount of self awareness and courage we have in order to apply ourselves. Think of someone you admire and look up to, ask them about how they have operated out of their comfort zones and how they’ve grown from their successes and failures. One of my favorite quotes is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and to be bold: you won’t regret it!