What You’ve Been Afraid To Try – Just Jump In Already
3 Tips to Finally Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone and Take Action
Recently I tried something I never thought I would be strong enough to do. I went to a CrossFit class. I always had this vision of what CrossFit was and I just knew I would never be able to not only attempt, but enjoy, that type of workout. Now that vision/mindset has obviously changed since you are reading this post. Going to that first class was one of those moments that I could tell would be a major point in my weight loss journey. Read on to find out more.
Why I Went to A CrossFit Class
Like I said before I never thought I would try CrossFit because I didn’t think I was capable of doing well in that particular type of exercise. That being said, I do like to challenge myself from time to time. I had no real proof that I couldn’t do CrossFit, it just looked intimidating to me. When my friend invited me to a class I almost said no, in fact, it took me a while to come around to the idea. I finally decided to try it recently and my perception of what I can and can’t do physically will be forever changed.
I went into that class nervous and fully expecting to walk back out after trying and failing. I came out of that class having attended the full class and participating in about 75% of it. I also already made plans to return to a second class. At a certain point in the class I knew something in me changed.
The problem with my previous view of CrossFit was that I had in mind that you must lift these extremely heavy weights to be able to successfully participate in it. While that is part of it, that is not where you have to start if you are a beginner. I never considered that, which is what stopped me from even thinking about CrossFit in the past.
My CrossFit Experience
I planned on doing ten rounds of the workout that day. It wasn’t as many as everyone else was doing, however, I thought it would be challenging but doable for me. I got to the sixth round and decided I couldn’t do anymore. I had reached my limit, or so I thought. I went to sit down and wait for everyone to finish. Some time passed and I was feeling better. As I was sitting on the couch I thought to myself, “Why am I sitting here, I know I’ve got more in me.” It turns out I did! I finished those other four rounds, which meant I hit my goal of 10 rounds.
Don’t get me wrong CrossFit is challenging but in the best possible way. Each time I’ve gone so far I have surpassed my limits of what I thought I could do. I haven’t challenged myself and been prouder of myself for a while now. I’m so thankful to my friend for inviting me and encouraging me that I could do it when I was skeptical. This experience has taught me how important it is that we get out of our comfort zones from time to time
Push Past Your Comfort Zones With These 3 Tips
I’ve talked about my CrossFit experience throughout this post, but you can replace that with what relates to you in your life, personal, working, health, and everything in-between. As you read the following tips picture how you can apply these to the thing you have been putting off doing.
Give Yourself Permission to have low expectations (that way the pressure is off and you can just soak the experience in and enjoy it)
Don’t go into your new venture thinking you have to be perfect and have it all planned out. If you do that you are asking for disappointment. Sure, there are times where you could excel the first time you try something new. Odds are that you will instead find yourself making mistakes along the way, but that is all a part of growing. Go into that gym, career, class, relationship, etc. with an open mind, it’s better that way.
Have someone in your corner
I would have never thought to try CrossFit if my friend didn’t invite me to try it. It’s important to have someone in your corner to encourage you as you are stepping outside of your comfort zone. If they have experience with what you are trying to do that’s even better.
Push yourself a little further
The feeling of satisfaction and strength that you have when you do something you couldn’t do before is one of the best feelings. It is important that you keep stepping out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. That is how you get better. Once you have become well-versed in whatever new thing you have tried, see how far you can go. For example, if you are new to using weights for your workout, start with a light set of weights, then try a heavier one once you start getting comfortable.
I hope these tips were helpful for you. Keep in mind that I can only speak from my experience. It is always best to seek advice from a professional in whatever area you are needing guidance in.
If you are still reading this, this is your reminder to challenge yourself to something new. I’ll leave you with an inspirational quote from the author of one of my favorite books, Jen Sincero.
When was the last time you did something out of your comfort zone? Let me know in the comments below.
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