Jan 03

Leaving Your Comfort Zone

Hello, and welcome to another sporadic Medical Mondays! As the title suggests, I’m going to talk about leaving your comfort zone today! It’s more a narrative than anything else, but if you’re interested in learning more about me, carry on!

leavingyourcomfortzone

I’ve always loved to write (yay for paper journaling since the year 2000!), but once upon a time in high school, I used to write for my high school newspaper (and the school district newspaper). Journalism was actually one of my college admissions essay topics (I have no idea how I managed to correlate it to studying biological sciences, but evidently it worked, because I was accepted into my first-choice university–UC Davis represent!!!).

In undergrad, I kept that going by joining the staff of my college’s undergraduate health journal, The Voice, as a layout editor. (As luck would have it, they don’t have the issue where I actually wrote something archived, but here’s one of the issues from back in the day!)

If you remember my other major (Music Performance), it’s sometimes a wonder to me how that happened, because I have never been comfortable under the spotlight. I’ve been asked on interviews whether or not I’m comfortable speaking in front of large crowds, and…I am not, at all, but I do force myself to sometimes.

One of my goals in life is to live with no regrets, and when you push yourself to leave your comfort zone, you get a chance to take advantage of more opportunities and I really feel that you get more out of life that way.

This blog has been such an amazing outlet for me throughout graduate and medical school. I’ve made a bunch of awesome friends through here, and it also pays for some of my livelihood and has given me a chance to try out lots of awesome things!

I’ve also gotten some really random-but-super-amazing opportunities because of it:

  • It’s how I started writing for The DO–one of their staff actually found me on Twitter! I’ve written two articles for them so far, and my editor said that her supervisor was very impressed with my writing, so I’m working on another couple soon! :]
  • It’s how I found out about STFM’s Blog Competition, and I was selected as one of 3 finalists! :]! The post goes live on January 8th, and the contest runs til February 8! The first place winner is chosen by # of views, and the prize money would feed me for half a year, since I spend roughly $50/month on food, so my livelihood would greatly appreciate it if you’d click the link that I share once it goes live! <3
  • It’s also how how I got to starting up Project Velociraptor (aka FM Student) with Pixie…and I was invited to be a featured webinar speaker:

featuredwebinarspeaker

I am terrified, excited, and honored. 2016, here’s to being a wonderful year! <3

  • If you blog/write, how did you first get started with it?
  • What’s something that you’re afraid to do that you want to try pushing the boundaries on?

I came up with this design ages ago for our class t-shirt contest! :]

Permanent link to this article: https://www.fairyburger.com/leaving-your-comfort-zone/

52 comments

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  1. teaching yoga to kids.
    and I think it is finally time.
    <3
    CARLA recently posted…4 reasons I advocate nighttime snacking.My Profile

    1. Yay! That sounds like it’ll be fun (energy-draining, but should be worth it <3)! :]

  2. You’re basically a rockstar! I think doing things outside the comfort zone is very important–and yet it’s definitely hard and scary at times. I love that Angel is such a great back-up for me, when I come close to chickening out of something scary, he’ll usually make me go through with it and it’s always worth it. Way to go, being brave and accomplishing big stuff. I hope 2016 brings some big and exciting challenges my way. too!
    Rachel G recently posted…Beach PreferencesMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Rachel! I think it can definitely be hard and scary too, but it helps with expanding horizons and just “going for it!” I feel like I used to play it safe a lot more, but life is short, and missing out on opportunities would be sad! That’s awesome that Angel’s such a good back-up for you–I hope 2016 is awesome to the both of you! :]

  3. I need to actually put together a TED talk style presentation and give my all. I’m usually too afraid at speaking engagements to really make it count…but I MUST overcome it. Great idea!

    1. Ah, that can always be [very understandably] terrifying, but you can do it! I practice in front of a mirror while recording myself just to make sure I don’t make any super-weird facial expressions while I’m talking. Best of luck to you! <3

  4. How exciting! Congrats!!!
    I try to leave my comfort zone, put always need a little extra inspiration! Thanks Farrah and Happy New Year!
    Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…New Year’s Weekend & Marilyn’s Baby SprinkleMy Profile

    1. Thanks so much, Julie! I definitely need some extra inspiration sometimes too! <3 I hope you had a happy new year as well! :]!

  5. Wonderful message as we begin the new year! I want to challenge myself not to be afraid when it comes to my blog. I don’t want to “annoy” people with it… so I try to keep it hush hush with friends. But why? It’s something I’m passionate about!

    1. Thanks, Joy! I’m actually the same way–only my closest friends know about my blog (and as of yet, my brother’s the only one in my family that knows about it). I’m not sure why I keep it hush hush, but maybe this year’s the year I’ll finally “unveil” it! :P

  6. That is awesome! I feel like starting my blog was actually me finding my comfort zone. Getting into actual marketing for my coaching business has been me leaving my comfort zone, but it has already proven to pay off as well!

    1. I’m glad it has! <3 You're doing such an amazing job at it!

  7. This is so great! I definitely like staying in my own little personal comfort zone, but I want to branch out especially in blogging. This year, I plan to monetize my blog and improve it by going to conferences.

    Mikayla

    1. That’s awesome! Being able to go to a blog conference is definitely on my blogging to-do list, and I’d like to put more effort into monetizing my blog as well! :]

  8. Love this post!
    I read a book once that said everyone should step out of their comfort zone at least once a day, just for a minute to help self improve. I’ve really taken that on into my life, however I’d be lying if I said I did it everyday, because I don’t.
    Next month I am going to be teaching a blogging class, and to be honest I am not the normal public speaking type, in fact a few years ago I would have never done such a thing. But I am both excited and a little scared for it, I will definitely be leaving my comfort zone entirely the whole time, but it will be good for me:)
    Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…Baby it’s COLD OutsideMy Profile

    1. I like that a lot! That feels a whole lot more doable than just going to town with the whole risk-taking thing! :P I wish you the best on that blogging class! I’m not much for public speaking either, but sometimes, you just gotta go for it! I think it’ll be worth it–you’re gonna be awesome! <3

  9. You are awesome! Congrats on being a finalist! Stepping outside our comfort zones is so important, and it’s the only way to grow! We have to take risks in order to accomplish things, and even if we fail, we’ll learn from those failures and keep on going!
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Gluten Free Chicken & WafflesMy Profile

    1. Thanks so much, Nicole! :]! Very much agreed! I like to think that as long as we learn something from bad/unexpected circumstances/situations, it’s not a total loss!

  10. Your blog posts are always so fun. I’m going to try to escape my comfort zone a lot more this year.
    Leslie recently posted…The House That Built MeMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Leslie! :] Best of luck to you!

  11. I always kind of hated writing, but once I started blogging, I found the powder in words again and fell in love!
    Congratulation on being a finalist!!! That’s amazing!
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Peanut Butter Cup Protein SmoothieMy Profile

    1. hahaha, it’s amazing what blogging can do, huh? :P I’m glad it got you to love writing again, or I likely never would’ve discovered your blog/gotten to know you! :]

  12. I’m all about getting uncomfortable, that’s how I lost over 100 pounds and have been successful in keeping it off. I had to learn the hard way leaving your comfort zone isn’t something you do once. It’s become an on going battle of challenging myself to go that extra mile or sign up for some crazy class that I’m to embarrassed to share with you. Congratulations on STFM’s Blog Competition how exciting! Good LUCK!!!

    1. That’s so amazing! :] Congrats to you–that definitely takes a whole lot of time, work, and dedication! I’m with you on how it’s an ongoing battle, but I like to think it keeps life interesting (if nothing else) on our quest for continual self-improvement! :P

      Thanks so much! :D It’d be so awesome to win!

  13. Great post, I wish you luck with all you are trying to achieve, especially with your Blog. I will definitely vote for you where ever you need it.

    1. Thank you so much, Mandi! <3 I really appreciate your support! :D

  14. way to go girl!!!!! big hugs and a high five to you.

    1. Thanks so much, Dixya! <3!

  15. I’ve always enjoyed writing. As for blogging, I was late to discover the blogosphere but once I did I jumped right in!

    1. I’m glad you did! :D!

  16. Wow, congratulations on all you’ve accomplished! You’re so inspiring! Have you seen the meme, “You have as many hours in a day as Beyoncé”?? It should say Farrah because I can’t believe how much you do!! You go girl!! :)
    Melanie recently posted…The Formula for Making New Year’s Resolutions StickMy Profile

    1. hahaha, I have indeed! That’s so flattering! :P Thanks so much, Melanie! <3

  17. I totally agree that it is SO good to step out of your comfort zone. I get slightly nervous when I perform and when I teach group fitness, but I KNOW that by getting nervous I’m making myself a stronger person. I love trying new things and getting a little “nervous” whenever possible :)

    1. I keep thinking I should be used to it by now and that I shouldn’t get nervous, but nope! It still definitely happens. I like to think it’s making us stronger too though!

  18. I’ve always loved writing, but for me blogging is leaving my comfort zone because it’s so… public. I’m an introverted person and in real life, I hate to draw attention to myself, but I love the community of blogging! Congrats on your success :D
    Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Well, It’s Winter (Quarter)My Profile

    1. Thanks so much! I’m definitely with you there! Blogging feels super public, but I love the blogging community as well, and despite how open parts of my life may seem on here, I keep a lot of my personal/work life private! :P

  19. I preach living outside of our comfort zones every day when I train clients, hehe. this is such a good message to share!!
    Jess @hellotofit recently posted…3 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Personal TrainerMy Profile

    1. Yes indeed! I need to remind myself sometimes since I feel like I get a little too comfortable sometimes (e.g. my winter break…), so I figured I’d write a post on it to kick myself and others into gear! :P

  20. Sooooo about me totally leaving my comfort zone. Hot damn….. Where do I even begin!
    Well I haven’t been home in about a month.
    I have been living out of a suit case.
    I have been trying my best to find foods I can eat.
    I am now in Scotland. And I was and will be going back to York in two days.
    I am pretending I am okay with the fact that there is no gym in my future until Friday.
    And holy crap, I got engaged! So now I am thinking about how my life is going to change. I am super excited but… also a little scared! ha!

    1. I hope you’re having a ton of fun! The pictures you’ve been sharing are gorgeous! <3!! I feel ya on the pretending that it's okay to not have a gym for several days. (I get a little stir-crazy sometimes and just start doing a bunch of bodyweight stuff, hehehe.)

      Super super congrats again on getting engaged! <3 Excited-but-scared is a perfectly understandable feeling! :O

  21. Hi Farrah, I hope your 2016 is off to a fabulous start! The more I learn about you, the more I’m impressed :) I started my blog when I was in culinary school. Initially it was just a way to for me to chronicle my time in school but after a year or so I embraced the “physician” part and really started focusing on healthy recipes.
    Sonali- The Foodie Physician recently posted…Dining with the Doc: Spice-Rubbed SalmonMy Profile

    1. Aww, thanks so much, Sonali! I hope 2016 has been treating you well! :D I can’t believe we’re into another year already! My blog initially started as a way for me to just keep track of the foods I made, with some attempts to healthify em’, hehehe. I love the direction your blog’s gone in–so many delicious and amazing recipes to try out! :]!

  22. You are so awesome! It sounds like 2016 is going to be an amazing year for you, and I will definitely be voting for you when that post goes up!! :D I started blogging a few years ago just to get my thoughts out and to practice sharing my health and fitness knowledge. I had no idea I would continue with it for as long as I did! Stepping out of my comfort zone has been a big focus in my life the past few years, and on Monday I started swimming with a Master’s swim club which is waaaaay out of my comfort zone!

    1. Yay!! Thank you so much, Ariana! I’m so glad you continued with blogging, or I’d never have “met” you! <3 I started blogging as a way to keep in touch with a couple friends and for a place for me to dump the recipes I tried making. I'm glad I eventually busted out of my antisocial blogging world! :P

  23. Farrah!

    It’s been too long since I was last at your blog (been on hiatus) and I’m glad I started with this incredibly positive post!

    For me, I’d love to take the leap into event planning… there are lots of things about that which would scare me, but I really would like to make it happen!

    xxox
    Laura

    1. Laura!!! Yay! :D! It’s so awesome to have you back! How have you been, and how were your holidays? :]

      Best of luck to you on event planning (I can definitely see how that can be daunting)! I’ll be sending good thoughts your way! <3

  24. Great post! I hope 2016 continues to be a great year for you! I love to write as well but I can be a little worried about what others think of me so starting my blog and keeping up with it is definitely already out of my comfort zone. Can’t wait to read more.
    Happy New Year!
    Ashley Mauro

    1. Thanks so much! I’m with you there–what I love about blogging (well, one of many things, haha) is that you can choose to share as much or as little as you want! :]! Happy new year to you as well!

  25. I loved this post, Farrah!
    There’s no better time of the year than now to leave the comfort zone for good and star accomplishing more.
    I included this article on my Shout Out Saturday blog post of January.
    Thanks a lot for sharing your experience with us. It’s very inspiring.
    Debbie recently posted…Shout Out Saturday January 2016My Profile

    1. Thanks so much, Debbie! <3 I really appreciate it! :]

  26. Congrats on all of your achievements, Farrah! It can feel so hard sometimes to get out of our comfort zones but it’s amazing what can happen when we do.
    Denise @ Healthy Family Media recently posted…Winter Wonders Giveaway Hop – $25 Amazon.com gift cardMy Profile

    1. Thanks so much, Denise! :]! It’s definitely hard sometimes, but that extra kick can lead to so many awesome things! (Not always, but I like to think the cost-benefit ratio is worth it! ;P)

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