Louisa Daley, deputy editor, Conference News, encourages eventprofs to step outside of their comfort zone in order to reach their full potential.
This might sound cliché, but I really did fall into the industry. I joined Conference News on my placement year when studying at university, I never looked back. But, because I had no previous events industry experience, I’ve always felt like I’ve been winging it.
Therefore, staying in my comfort zone has always been, well, comforting. I’ve been afraid to take risks and put myself out there due to the fear of not getting it right.
But I’m writing this to remind you that there is no growth in your comfort zone, no matter your experience. As my mentoring programme Elevate encourages: “you need to get comfortable with the uncomfortable.”
With the help from my mentors and managers, this is exactly what I’ve made my mission. To date, I’ve presented at large-scale industry events, chaired panel discussions and hosted roundtables with industry thought leaders.
Whilst it’s been scary, the immense feeling of achievement I felt afterwards was worth the temporary feeling of discomfort. From my experience, the more you do it, the smaller and more manageable that fear gets, because you have a ‘memory bank’ of times when you’ve made it through the other side and smashed it. Even if things don’t go completely to plan – it’s still not a failure. There are always valuable lessons to learn.
I know it’s easier said than done. So, in light of that, I want to share some things that I’ve been taught along the way, which have helped me go beyond my comfort zone, in the hope that it will help you too:
Cultivate a support system
In times of distress, a trusted mentor, colleague, friend, or family member is invaluable. They can act as a soundboard for your ideas, be your very own cheerleader who can remind you of all of your successes, and of course, be a safe space and extinguish any self-doubt. Seek their guidance and lean on their support when and if necessary.
Be calm and confident
Breath work really does calm your nerves and focus your mind, my favourite is the box method – (inhaling deeply for four counts, and exhaling deeply for four counts). According to social psychologist Amy Cuddy, “our bodies change our minds.” Before you go beyond your comfort zone, try the ‘superman/woman’ pose – it helps you enter a new situation feeling more confident.
Practise makes perfect
Being out of your comfort zone is scary because of the unknown. So, try and make sure you’re as prepared as possible. Watch videos, look at templates, practice in the mirror, whatever works for you. Not so it becomes rehearsed, but so it feels like second nature and you know exactly what you’re doing.
Reframe your thinking
Try and turn your fear into excitement, your body truly doesn’t know the difference. Use the adrenaline rush to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Now, this isn’t to say I’ve mastered stepping outside my comfort zone, or that I no longer get nervous before new opportunities, but I’m more willing to say yes. This ultimately, only makes a comfort zone smaller and smaller, and the possibility of growth bigger and bigger.
