Getting Comfortable Outside Your Comfort Zone

Getting Comfortable Outside Your Comfort Zone

No, this post is not about outhouses…  It is about getting comfortable with something that you don’t normally do or makes your palms sweaty and heart beat faster with fear.  I’m talking about anything that takes you outside your comfort zone.

I will start right now by saying that I am not a public speaker in any stretch of the imagination.  Just the thought of getting up in front of people and speaking makes my palms sweaty and makes me feel like I’m going to get sick.  Even when I sang in the choir in college, I would find a way to hide on a back row and shy away from being in front.  Currently, I work in a field in which I normally work with the same people everyday and don’t really get out of that one area.  I talk with people one-on-one.  

However, tomorrow, I will be getting up in front of several people to make a presentation.  It’s one of those things that fall under the phrase “and other duties as assigned.”  This is one of those phrases that many jobs have to allow additional duties.  {Note to anyone reading this who knows me at work:  I’m not complaining and fully expect to be assigned other duties.  Not a problem!}

Back to the story…  My palms are still sweaty as I type this post, and I don’t even have to speak until tomorrow mid-morning.  It’s going to be a long night, but I’m working on ways to make me more comfortable with this step outside my comfort zone.  Here are a few tips:

Laughter

My son suggested that I look at things like Kermit the Frog does.  In the movie, The Muppets, Kermit told Scooter that he should look at everyone in the audience and imagine they are not wearing any clothes.  I’m not sure this is a good idea in real life, but it sure made me laugh.

Deep Breaths

Rather than take quick shallow breaths, I’m trying to breathe deeply.  Just breathing deeply relaxes me.

Go to My Happy Spot

Think happy thoughts.  Thoughts about some of my favorite places.  This is one of the things I do when I have my blood pressure taken after running around trying to get to my doctor’s appointment.  Where do I go?  How about a Disney cruise to Castaway Cay?

Be Prepared

I have taken the information I need to present and put all of it into a speech-like set of notes.  That way, if I get too nervous, I will always know where I am in my presentation.  Just that gives me peace of mind.

Don’t Stress the Small Stuff

I must remind myself that I am not a public speaker, and that is ok.  I can’t stress over what I am not.  I have to just go in and do my best no matter what.  It will work out one way or the other.  All I can be is myself. 

What are your best tips for getting comfortable outside your comfort zone?