Testing Your Limits and Challenging Your Fears
Updated: Jan 8, 2022
The Joy is in the Journey More so than the Destination
Our Week to Shine! - A World Introvert Day Special
#Introverts #Introversion #GrowthRings #Stretch #ComfortZone #IntrovertQuiz #Superpowers #TestingYourLimits #InSearchofCourage #BeyondIntroversion #IntrovertDear #Petition
We are all creatures of habit. We develop our own comfort zones based on our strengths. Outgoing people have their favorite places - often amongst people. Introverts tend to find serenity by themselves or with our small group of confidantes.
Everyone, extrovert and introvert, needs to continue to stretch and reach in order to grow, but it may be particularly difficult for more reserved people. Many introverts grow up frustrated as they battle the pressure of social norms. This can often lead to an overt sense of self-consciousness, often coupled with low self-esteem. This may be especially true when compared to others who seem much more at ease, carefree, and adventurous.
So how can you break free to become your best self?
Growth Rings
Growth Rings provide a simple yet effective way to expand your comfort zone for any facet of your life, from relationships and social outings to work and hobbies. This process has provided me with small steps to test myself in a compassionate and rewarding way. As such I've been able to run a half marathon, mentor many individuals at work, and be vulnerable enough to write my own memoir. I've also been able to give myself permission to pull back when I've stretched too far.
As a result, I've had many magic moments I'd never dreamed of and have discovered a new sense of self-esteem that has been absent since my childhood. You too can reach new heights with your own Growth Rings:
The inner circle is our HOME Base. This is our natural comfort zone. It's whatever brings us tranquility and peace that we migrate to at the end of a long day. For introverts, this may include reading, writing, watching a movie, or having dinner with family. This also includes those most comfortable times at work where we can pursue our passion without feeling the need to put on a mask or be someone else. However, as enticing as it sounds, we are missing out when we stay in this zone. If we dip our toe in the water, we will find anxiety at times, but we will also find new favorites, passions, and pride.
The first ring from the middle is the Neighborhood Ring. It's nearby, it's familiar. It doesn't require much risk-taking. If we acknowledge our introversion and learn about our strengths, we can begin to use those superpowers to stretch beyond our natural comfort zone and try new things. These new activities apply our natural abilities in different ways. For instance, on a social scale, you may be most comfortable at home alone or with your immediate family. But if you leverage your strengths of creativity and planning, you may find a whole new joy socializing with co-workers or friendly acquaintances.
The next ring from the center is the Adventure Ring. This ring requires us to go further out of our comfort zone. It's like a road trip. We are in new, unchartered territory. It's exciting yet scary. Here again, lean on your strengths to try new experiences. You will feel like you are stretching far from your comfort zone. In our social example, you may attend a friend's party with mostly strangers. You can lean on your preparation to ease your apprehension. You can ask your host in advance who will be there. You can prepare some interesting points about yourself and questions you may throw out to others to meld into the conversation. I even jot these points on a piece of paper and review it in the bathroom if I suffer from introvert's paralysis (brain freeze) during the evening. This ring is much less comfortable. You may grow to like it. It may take some practice.
The outside ring is the Frontier Ring. You are far from comfortable. You may never feel ready to take this leap and that's ok, but if you take steps through the Neighborhood and Adventure Rings, you may feel up to the challenge. Socially, you may attend a cocktail hour, go to a bar, or attend a conference social with a room full of strangers. Come prepared to introduce yourself and meet others. Let curiosity be your guide.
This formula provides a pathway to test your limits and challenge your fears. As a lifelong introvert, I understand how difficult this might be. But I also understand the value of trying new things.
EXAMPLE: Working the Rings
I've always been