Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Have you ever thought about doing something, but decided not to because it is not "your thing" to do? Do you pass up opportunities because you fear the unknown? Did you begin working on a project, but give up on it because you couldn't grasp it like everyone else around you? Theoretically, I could not imagine how these things could happen. However, the reality of this is that it is the complete opposite.

Recently, I was presented with an opportunity to participate as a cast member in a Murder Mystery. When the Director asked me if I was interested in participating, I informed him that I was not an actor. For some reason, he still wanted to cast me. The old me would have said no to this opportunity. I had no acting experience. I did not know how to play pretend in front of other people. The thought of doing this scared me. I was afraid of not knowing what would happen throughout the process. For some reason, I said yes to this opportunity.

Throughout the process, I learned how to develop my character, received ample advice and numerous points of growth, and how to use what I already knew and fill in the blanks. As I took everything in, it went from being a scary experience to being one of the funnest learning opportunities. Not only did I learn new skills, but I was also able to teach other cast members new skills. Slowly, I found myself giving advice to other people and was able to embody my role.

Show night was one huge adrenaline rush! One minute I was acting in a room with the other cast members, the next minute I changed into a different costume, and, before I knew it, I had the honor of kissing an older gentleman on his cheek; I think it made his night. It was amazing to see how the guests responded to my character and how they enjoyed interacting with her.

As I reflect, I must say that it was an amazing experience. I learned that criticism is not meant to be my enemy. People who provided constructive points of growth wanted to see me succeed. Going out of my comfort zone did mean the experience was 100% new. As a Toastmaster, I was able to handle the points of growth given to me weekly, I could have impromptu interactions with guests, and I understood different presentation techniques to emphasize my character. The takeaway from this experience is that some of the best life experiences happen when you let yourself "go" and enjoy the ride.