By: Vanessa Nyawabila, SDSU Chapter Member
Through experience, I have learned that if you do not take risks, it will be extremely difficult to reach your goals. Doing new things will inevitably make you uncomfortable. However, you should not shy away from discomfort because it indicates personal growth.
Routines are comfortable and easy to fall into, but what a long-term, consistent routine really does is dull our awareness of the world. For example, when you are doing the same mundane tasks everyday, say walking to and from school on the same path repeatedly, after a certain amount of trips, you start tuning out the majority of it. Therefore, if you don’t get out of your comfort zone every once in a while, you might be tuning out large portions of your life on a daily basis.
By pursuing a new goal, you’re embarking on a journey that is completely different from what you are used to. When we try things outside of our comfort zone, our brain activates a “fight-or-flight” response, so it is natural to feel stressed or scared. However, it is important to remember that a little bit of discomfort goes a long way in terms of self-improvement. Once you learn to embrace the discomfort, you will find it easier to deal with life’s curve balls and be able to see noticeable progress in your overall performance, learning, and creativity.
When you feel like you have a mental block keeping you firmly rooted within your comfort zone, standing between you and your full potential, remember that you don’t have to face anything alone- your science sisters are always there to support you!
For a little more inspiration, watch this TedTalk by Luvvie Ajayi on why feeling uncomfortable will change how you live your life!
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