I want to start this article by revealing to you that I’m a shy introvert. I know not all introverts are necessarily shy, but I'm writing from the perspective of those that are. I'm also telling you this because I don't want you to think I’m just another extrovert telling you to step out of your comfort zone. Personally, I know that stepping out of your comfort zone is easier said than done. The box I put myself in is comfortable and safe, and I like feeling in control.
I over-think every action I make and anything I say, which I’d been fine with until I went to college. I had to force myself to be a little more outgoing than usual, since I went out of state for college and knew pretty much no one. After I found my group of friends, I went back to my shy and observant self. This summer, I want to change that. I’m a pretty nostalgic person and when I look back at all my favorite memories, I noticed that each of them had to do with me stepping out of my comfort zone and taking chances.
Recommended for you
So, this summer I’ve taken it upon myself to put myself in situations where I’m surrounded by extroverted people. Most of the time, the introvert in me screams “NO” and I just stay very observant and quiet. Other times, something beautiful happens. That something has to do with our story for today, but first I’m going to give you a little background information.
My best friend and I love going to a show in Chicago called "Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind," where the actors and actresses perform 30 different plays in 60 minutes. These actors and actresses are the most extroverted people I have ever been around. The theatre they perform in holds around 145 people, so it’s a relatively small crowd and it’s easy for them to get the audience involved in their extrovert-esque plays. The first time I attended the show, I was a little uncomfortable, but I loved it. It felt like I was taking baby steps to my goal of being more of a “go-getter” and to stop over-thinking and just doing. Now, take that with a grain of salt. I still have a filter when I talk, and I’m not doing certain actions that may be dangerous, but I started taking chances.
Okay, so what’s the point? Well, the other day I saw one of the actresses that I really liked in a coffee shop. Usually, I would admire from afar wishing I had the courage to speak to her, but I’m a believer that everything happens for a reason, and I knew this was more than just a coincidence. This was my chance to step out of my box, break free from my introverted habits and to talk to someone I really admired. So, I forced myself out of my seat, ignored the nervous butterflies filling my stomach, and walked right up to her. And I’m so happy I did.
It made me realize all the times I wish I forced myself to be outgoing, and it helped me to decide that I don’t want to live my shy life anymore. Although it’s okay to be introverted, sometimes you need to push yourself out of that box and experience life. A lot of us struggle with making ourselves feel vulnerable and, believe me, I’ve been there (I’m still there). Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer for overcoming the “shy hurdle.” My only advice is to just push yourself. That might not sound terribly helpful, but I promise that’s really all you have to do to start creating new experiences for yourself. The first and second time will be hard, but after that it will only get easier. I challenge any introvert reading this to start taking chances. The memories that come from it will be worth all the hard work overcoming our comfort-zone tendencies.
