Step Out of Your Comfort Zone!

Happy Saturday everyone! I hope school is going well for all of you! 

Speaking of school, think to yourself right now: “Did I step out of my comfort zone this week at school? Or even this year?!” Assuming most of you said no, I’m going to share a little story of how I stepped out of my comfort zone this school year. I took an online class! You’re probably wondering… umm, okay Kelsie? What’s the big deal? For most, online classes are probably normal, maybe even common. However, this isn’t the case for me! I had never taken an online class before, because I’m TERRIBLE with technology, and I typically am not comfortable with things that I can take at my own pace. I’m a deadline person. I need to know exactly when everything is due so that I can map out exactly how much to do each day. Wellll, this class doesn’t exactly work like that. So, I stepped out of my comfort zone and took on the challenge. I finished the semester a week early with an A on every assignment! This has helped me grow as a person! I’m taking the second portion of that class this semester because it helped me learn how to work in a different style. I’m now better with technology, time management, and pacing! By taking this challenge, I changed for the better in the end!

Here’s another example of stepping out of my comfort zone. Livestock showmanship. I have shown in 4-H for almost 10 years now. I had never done showmanship until 4 years ago. I was terrified! Every year they asked me if I wanted to be added to the list, and every year my answer was, “No, thank you.” That was until a few years ago. My family said, “Kels you should do it! Just for fun!” So, I slowly started stepping out of my comfort zone, and I did goat showmanship. Did I win? NO! It was my first year, absolutely not! But did I have fun? YES! I couldn’t wait to do it again. 2 years later, I won Reserve Goat Showman in my county. I was so beyond ecstatic. Then, I won Reserve Goat Showman again last year. As I got more familiar with this whole showmanship idea, I started competing in more species! In 2021, I went out on a limb, stepped out of my comfort zone yet again, and competed in poultry showmanship for my county. I won. Now, I compete in showmanship in all 5 of my species. Last year, I won or placed in ⅘ species. Now, my time in 4-H is almost over, and I really regret not doing showmanship sooner. All because I wouldn’t step out of my comfort zone. I would not face my fears and try something new. Holy cow I regret it now! 

Stepping out of your comfort zone will open doors for new opportunities, help you grow as a person and a leader, and maybe even find you a new hobby! If you do not step out of your comfort zone, you will never grow. You will be confined to the circle of things that you know how to do. If you try something and decide that you do not like it- that is totally okay! No one will be upset with you! At least you tried! Step out. Find something new. Try a new sport. Take a harder class. Embrace the unknown! 

District V- Step out of your comfort zone! If you feel that you are struggling with this, talk to me! My Instagram DM’s are always open! You can also reach out to me via Remind, or get my email. I’m here to help! Have a great weekend everyone, stay warm!

Love always,

Kelsie Avery

District V FFA President

Instagram: kelsieavery.32