“Be willing to step outside your comfort zone once in a while; take the risks in life that seem worth taking. The ride might not be as predictable if you’d just planted your feet and stayed put, but it will be a heck of a lot more interesting.” – Edward Whitacre, Jr.
Fun Fact: I hate going to group events. I love learning, challenging myself and trying new things, but if I have to go to a group event to make it happen, I’d rather stay home. Most people I meet think I’m an extrovert, but that’s only because I do well one on one. In the studio, when it’s just me and my client, it’s awesome! I love working with and learning from individuals, but not every opportunity in life is going to be my ideal situation. Lately, I’ve been reminding myself of this and trying to branch out.
I recently attended a group shoot in Milwaukee. I went by myself and wasn’t expecting to see anyone I knew. (Thankfully, I did run into a few friendly faces, which was very helpful!) I had to talk to people with cameras and gear that was much fancier than mine. They all seemed to know what they were doing, which intimidated the hell out of me, but I had already made the trek and I didn’t want to leave without taking a single photo. Was I uncomfortable? Yes. Was I happy I was there? Also yes.
Thankfully, I did manage to approach a few really nice people, I made a few new social media buds, and I got to experiment in a setting completely different than what I’m used to. I’ll admit, though, that I didn’t make the most of the situation because of my fears, but now I know what a group shoot feels like and I would do another. At the next shoot, I think I’d talk to even more people and get even funkier with my shots.
That’s the whole point of doing something outside of your comfort zone – to learn, grow and realize that you can do whatever scares you. Odds are, you won’t be 100% comfortable the entire time, but you will warm up to the situation the longer you do it. You’ll get better! Every group event I’ve attended has made me a better photographer, and I know I have to keep going to them, and I’m far less scared now. Whatever it is you want to try, the only thing stopping you is yourself. Go to that unique restaurant, take that painting class, book a boudoir shoot – whatever it is that you know will help you grow, do it! I wouldn’t ask you to do something impossible or that would negatively impact your life. Stepping outside your comfort zone is worthwhile and amazing. You’ll never know what’s out there if you don’t go for it.
What Can You Gain By Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone?
– A new found appreciation for art, food, music, etc. – A better relationship with the people around you – A better relationship with yourself – Amazing stories and memories – A feeling of fulfillment and accomplishment – A ton of other super cool personal growth moments
See? It’s worth it! Sometime this week or month, do something that pushes you outside the bubble you’re currently in. Let me know how it goes and see what you learn! Share your story in my Buxom Babes Facebook Group. I’d love to hear it.
Here are a few of the images I took at the Iron Horse Hotel. Shout out to MKE Portraits for hosting the event! Babes: Kelsey Amber and Jules Kimberly
