7 Tips for Sailing out of your Comfort Zone
When was the last time you learned something new?
A few weeks ago, during my holiday, I took the opportunity to learn how to sail. It was something I had wanted to do for a while but hadn't had the chance until then and knew it would push me out of my comfort zone.
Initially, I felt quite nervous when I arrived for my first sailing lesson. However, meeting other beginners made me feel more at ease. We were taught how to tack, but actually doing it myself was a different experience. It took some practice to figure out how to move the long tiller extension from behind my back to the front. There were moments I thought I had it, and then suddenly I would lose the feel of it altogether.
As we progressed and learned to tack and jibe around a course, our skills were taken to another level. Dealing with the unpredictable wind, I became quite adept at righting a capsized boat. As the week went on, my confidence grew, and I even received my Level 1 certificate, which I felt proud of.
Wanting to further develop my skills, I was advised to join a sailing "clinic." However, it turned out to be much more challenging than I anticipated. I felt completely out of my depth, like having one driving lesson and then being sent out on the busy M25 motorway!
I felt incompetent, struggling to tack on command and manoeuvre around the other boats. Doubts started to creep in, and I began to question my abilities. Unfortunately, the stress prevented me from accessing the knowledge I had acquired, making the situation even more challenging. Feeling overwhelmed and in a state of panic, I decided to return to shore.
In retrospect, I realised that I had been pushed too far out of my comfort zone and had entered the Panic Zone. This can happen due to a lack of preparation, support, or guidance, and it's something to be avoided.
The Panic Zone is characterised by extreme stress, anxiety, and a feeling of being overwhelmed and out of control. In this state, functioning effectively becomes difficult, and a feeling of the fight, flight, or freeze response.
So, where do you find yourself in life? Are you comfortably within your comfort zone, seeking safety and stability? Or are you willing to step into the stretch zone, where challenges may be daunting but ultimately enable growth and success?
Here are some tips to help you step out of your comfort zone:
1. Start small: Begin by taking small steps outside of your comfort zone. Start with something manageable and gradually work your way up to more significant challenges. This will help build your confidence and make the process less overwhelming.
2. Set clear goals: Define what you want to achieve by stepping out of your comfort zone. Having specific goals in mind will provide you with a sense of direction and purpose, making it easier to stay motivated and focused.
3. Embrace failure as learning: Understand that failure is a natural part of growth. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or encounter setbacks along the way. Instead, view them as valuable learning opportunities that can help you improve and become better equipped for future challenges.
4. Seek support: Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging individuals who can provide guidance and motivation. Share your aspirations with trusted friends, family members, or mentors who can offer advice and hold you accountable.
5. Visualize success: Imagine yourself successfully navigating through the challenges outside your comfort zone. Visualizing positive outcomes can boost your confidence and help you overcome self-doubt.
6. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself during this process. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be uncomfortable and challenging, so it's important to practice self-compassion and treat yourself with patience and understanding.
7. Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small they may seem. Recognizing your progress will motivate you to continue stepping outside your comfort zone and push yourself further.
Remember, growth happens outside of your comfort zone. BUT you need to avoid the Panic Zone!
Learning NLP can help you embrace new experiences and challenges whilst expanding your self awareness and developing your skills for both personal and professional development.
Or my 121 coaching can help you take those steps for growth knowing I will ensure you are adequately prepared and give the support and guidance to stretch yourself while ensuring you're not pushed beyond your limits.
Now, back to my sailing experience... I could have given up after that overwhelming clinic, but I would have been disappointed with myself. Instead, I decided to go out on my own terms and practice at my own pace, gradually stretching myself without the same level of overwhelm. By the end of the holiday, I had regained my confidence and left with a much better relationship with the sport of sailing.
I help you gain CLARITY on what’s important, build CAPABILITY to overcome the challenges on the way and
increase CONFIDENCE to take the steps out of your comfort zone to just do it!
I’m Tracy and I’m more than just a coach, I’m Your Catalyst for Change!
Tracy, Your Catalyst for Change
Call me today on 07443 634722 or to email me click here
