My Introverted Self!

More than knowing other people, you first have to know yourself.  I, like probably everyone else, am still learning about myself.  Each day, we may test ourselves to find out how much we can achieve.  I like to push myself to reach new heights but at the same time, I have to be mindful of my introverted self.

I am introverted.  It's not something I strive to be...it's part of who I am.  Because of it, I sometimes have trouble in social settings.  I'm not anti-social, not at all.  I once thought I was but now I realize that's not the case.

Recently, I've pushed myself out of my comfort zone.  I've stepped into the spotlight.  I have met new people and I have spoken in large groups.  And I enjoyed it!  It made me excited and it made me want to do more of it.

But...after a lot of social interaction, I began to feel the results on my introverted self.  It was fun until it wasn't.  All of a sudden I was worn out and I needed time to myself.  I felt drained.  I needed to relax and think.

That's when I realized I need to pace myself.  I can't change from introverted to extroverted.  I can push myself to be more social but it is a bit more stressful for me.  If I'm being more social every day, then I'm stressing myself to push myself out of my comfort zone.  Like I said before, it works for a while until it doesn't.

It's most important to learn and understand yourself.  Know your strengths and weaknesses.  It's great to push yourself to be more and to achieve more.  Equally important is to know when to pull back.

I was able to relax and recharge.  Then I was ready to get out of my comfort zone again.  It all started with learning a little more about me and my introverted self.


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Public Speaking

I am an introvert; I tend to shy away from crowds...normally.  Yet, I crave the spotlight.  Weird, huh? Most people dislike public speaking and I am no exception.  I can and I will do public speaking but I usually only do it when I really have to.  I get nervous; my voice my lack confidence.  My eyes may dart from side to side as I avoid eye contact.  I would never say I'm a great public speaker.  My speech skills my change from day to day.  But there are times when I'm focused and...my voice is calm and confident and I give good eye contact to the audience.  It's not that I'm less introverted in that moment but more that I am welcoming the challenge.  It's still an uncomfortable situation but I'm not allowing myself to back down.  After all, what's the worst that could happen?  Embarrassment...I think I could live with that.

Outside the Comfort Zone

Most people are aware of their comfort zone and even more aware when they step outside of it.  Lots of people choose to remain in their comfort zone.  Why?  Because it's easy.  It's comfortable.  I used to stay inside my comfort zone.  I'm introverted and my shyness always prevented me from doing more.  Then one day I took a look at myself and decided I will try to be better and step outside my comfort zone.  Once I did it, it was scary.  It was highly stressful but I survived.  It was exciting.  I didn't have to wonder if I was capable of doing something anymore.  I knew because I had already done it.  Now, I like to step outside my comfort zone.  I still get the same feelings each time I try something new.  Worry, doubt, frightened, excited.  But, at the end, I get the sense of accomplishment.  That makes it more than worth it.