Imagine this: your pulse begins to speed up; your heart is pounding. Your anxiety is growing by the minute. Your body is telling you to escape. You feel an immense amount of fear as if you’re about to jump out of a plane without a parachute. That’s what it can feel like when you’re about to step out of your comfort zone.

Humans like routine. We like having a set way of doing things and going about our daily activities. While that is normal and perfectly fine, it can be tough when we are faced with the challenge of steering away from that routine. But once you welcome that challenge, it has the power to change your life for the better.

I am the type of person that does not normally step out of my comfort zone. I’m shy, quiet, and don’t like being the center of attention. All of which are qualities that, unfortunately, have held me back from forcing myself to break free of my comfort zone. The thought of leaving my comfort zone scared me so much that I let that fear prevent me from making important changes in my life, such as getting a job, speaking up in class, and getting to know new people. These are not things I or anyone else can conquer overnight. But there are steps you can take to start.

This summer, I attempted to obtain my first job. Because I am 21, I’ve beat myself up for years for being this age and not having had a job yet. And I didn’t want to feel that shame anymore because I decided I deserve better. I applied to a few different places, all of which never got back to me. At that point, I thought I should give up. I kept making excuses as to why I shouldn’t try again. And just when I thought it was over, a stroke of luck came my way and I was given the opportunity to apply for another job. But the fear came back. The fear of stepping out of my comfort zone, yet again, crept up on me and made me think I couldn’t do it, and I almost let it stop me. But this time was different. Somehow I managed to muster up the courage to shove my fears aside and just do it. After all, I had nothing to lose.

Turns out, I got the job. Who knew that the quiet, shy girl inside of me would be able to take the first step in conquering this battle. Along the way, however, I’ve realized that being quiet and shy is nothing to be ashamed of. And if you’re the same way, please don’t be hard on yourself. They’re not terrible qualities, in fact, sometimes they can be positive ones. But the second you let them hold you back from overcoming obstacles is when they become harmful. I let that happen to me one too many times, but this time, I gave myself the chance to combat it.

I know it may seem hard to take the leap and step out of your comfort zone, but I promise you once you do, it’ll be worth it. You’ll feel a sense of pride and confidence that you might not have felt before. You might even wonder why you were ever afraid in the first place. In all honesty, if I can do it, so can you. And you deserve that chance just as much as everyone else.