This year, I joined the Alliance High School speech team. I joined speech last year, but I ended up quitting the team before I even attended my first speech meet. I was too scared to push myself and I had no one pushing me to keep going. However, this year I stayed committed to the team, and went way outside of my comfort zone. So, the question I ask now is, why is going outside of your comfort zone important? 

As humans, we are creatures of habit. We get accustomed to the same routine. Our brains get stuck in the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset. This is because our brains are wired to expect the worst outcome possible in any situation. This is a survival tactic that our brain exercises to keep us safe. It is because of these impulses that our brains crave routine. Contrary to our habitual ways, expanding our horizons is essential to personal growth. 

One way to step out of your comfort zone is to find someone or multiple people who push you to achieve your goals. As humans, we fear letting other people down. It is much easier for us to let ourselves down, rather than other people. If you find someone who knows what you are capable of, they won’t let you back down from the challenge, no matter how hard you may want to.

There are many small things you can do to step out of your comfort zone. For example, trying a new recipe and making dinner for your family, waking up earlier in the morning to have some free time, or even trying a new food. These are all tiny things that help you switch up your daily routine.

In the end, you might even discover something you really love. I have learned that although talking to people is terrifying, I absolutely love speech and the opportunities it has given me. Speech has introduced me to new friends from other towns that I would have never talked to otherwise and brought me closer to people already in my life. The opportunities that speech has given me is something I am forever grateful for.