WHAT LIES BEYOND YOUR COMFORT ZONE ? - MY SHOCKING DISCOVERY

Over the years I've realized that coming out of your comfort zone is important in your life as it can be life changing. But that's only and only crucial if you really want to progress as an individual. We've been hearing and reading this quote a lot that says- Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Trust me, this quote is true to the core or at least it came out to be true for me.

So, back then when I was a student, my personality was more introverted. I had no interest in talking to people (except few of my friends) and at a certain age, I preferred not to participate in any school functions. I was only interested in listening to others talking, watching and observing them. One day, just as school was about to get over, one of my favorite teachers called me to the staff room and handed me a piece of paper with few poetic lines written on it. She asked me to prepare the poem for the next day's school assembly. Her unexpected request likely made me feel both surprised and anxious at the same time. The first question that crossed my mind was- WHY ME ALL OF A SUDDEN? I had no courage to ask her this question but my facial expressions might have given me away. She explained that I have such a beautiful handwriting and that's why she wanted to give me an opportunity for the recitation this time. Though I was clearly neither convinced by her answer nor did I find any logical connection but I decided to shut my mouth and headed home. That day, I couldn't focus on anything. I didn't feel like doing anything. I was restless, constantly thinking how to get rid of this situation. Should I take a leave or fake an illness. I couldn't figure out till night and that's when I realized that its too late to decide anything now. I thought to request my teacher the next morning to excuse me but in any case if she didn't agree, I'd just learn the poem on a safer side and will recite it the way I usually do in my head. I would not look at anybody and would recite anyhow.

With this thought I went to school the next day with a lot of doubtful thoughts yet trying to encourage myself. When I requested my teacher, she refused outright and my name was announced on the stage. I went to the stage with tremendous fear and doubts and was helpless. I was looking god knows where but not at public. My hands and face were sweating profusely. I started reciting the poem with actions but it ended up horribly. Due to utter nervousness, I also forgot to mention my class (I was in class 6th) during the introduction. I almost forgot the actions mid-way and didn't look up at the audience. I quickly finished and vanished. After that I never went on stage again for any solo recitation until I passed out of school.

But what we run away with, often catches up with us sooner or later. Years later, I went back to the same school but this time, as a teacher (I was appointed in the same school). Once again the familiar school assembly settings were waiting for me. Nevertheless, I was now well prepared to face it, having learned the significance of stepping out of my comfort shell. I realized that when you are willing to face your fear, are thoroughly prepared and focus on the process rather than the outcomes and the fear of making mistakes, you actually take steps towards coming out of your comfort zone and overcome your anxiety. It is actually practicing tough love for yourself, where you can make mistakes, take correct guidance, start small and enjoy the process.

In one of the school assemblies, it was my turn to talk on any random motivational topic with students. The stage was same, school staff were almost same, feeling of overwhelming was the same. However, this time there was an added layer of pressure that was- the recording of the interaction. That year the school's management committee decided to watch the recordings of the teachers talk to review and provide feedback for improvements. This time I was prepared mentally and focused on delivering my best without thinking about the results and caring about others. I poured my heart out during the interaction.

Days later, I discovered that my talk was appreciated by the management members and was selected as the best among all the teachers' talks. I was really happy when I came to know about it but more than being happy, I was proud of myself to bring that change in me to step out of my easy zone to really progress as an individual and embrace the challenge.

As a student, I couldn't express my fear to my teacher and she may not have understood the intensity of my anxiousness. However, I'm grateful for the opportunity that was embarrassing at times, it taught me a lifelong lesson in believing in your ability, courage and taking gradual steps to practice tough love for yourself.

Since then, while I still get nervous addressing people at large, but now I have the courage to at least hold the mic and interact with people assuredly because I know my ability and now I'm not doubtful about it a bit. It takes time but with right knowledge of the subject or content that you are supposed to deliver and with consistent practice you expose yourself to learn and create experiences. Everyone is learning, no one is fully progressed.

I felt proud knowing that, between passing out of school and being appointed as a teacher in the same school, I had been learning to overcome my fears and gain experiences. Throughout my 10 years of teaching experience, I've spoken at numerous school assemblies and interacted with large group of students . I also hosted various patriotic and cultural events in the school.

This journey till now has been all about the more you practice the more you get better and the more lessons you'll learn along the way but if you won't practice you'll always fear and will not experience any life changing moments whatsoever.

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