If there’s one thing the past few years have taught me since the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s how easy it is to settle into a bubble, especially when running an online business. Since the pandemic, I had to change how I ran my business like many others who had no choice but to adapt. My business transitioned from mostly face-to-face to all online, and even now, 3 years later, only 10% of my therapy clients see me face-to-face. This means I could comfortably stay home, work in my familiar space, and avoid pushing myself too far outside of what felt safe and known.
At first, this felt like freedom. I had control over my time, no stressful commutes, and the ability to work in a way that suited me. But over time, I have realised I have become stuck in these familiar patterns of working. In my own work with others, I constantly encourage people to push past their limitations, to challenge their own narratives, and to step into the best version of themselves, yet here I was, staying in my comfort zone, not truly stretching myself.
From my work on the New Me project this past few months, I realised that as I guided others through self-development, I started reflecting on my own growth. Yes, I was learning, evolving, and helping others, but was I challenging myself? The answer was no.
A Decision to Change
So, this year, I promised myself that I would start doing things differently. I wouldn’t just stay behind the screen; I would actively put myself in spaces where I could grow. I wanted to meet more business-minded people, to socialise more, and to try new things that would challenge me in ways I hadn’t experienced in years.
So I have decided to join a speaking club.
Facing the Fear: My First Speaking Club Experience
The idea of joining a speaking club felt a little daunting. What if I wasn’t good enough? What if I froze? What if I didn’t enjoy it? But I reminded myself that growth doesn’t happen in comfort it happens in the moments we feel stretched. So last night, I went to my first session.
Walking in, I felt a mix of nerves and curiosity. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I was immediately reassured by how friendly and welcoming the atmosphere was. There was no pressure to speak if you didn’t want to, but there were different exercises designed to help us get comfortable with public speaking. Some topics were given at random, and we had to speak about them for different lengths of time.
At first, I just observed, listening to others, soaking in the experience. But as the night went on, I felt myself warming up to the idea of participating. The energy in the room was encouraging, and by the end, I found myself actually enjoying the challenge.
I left feeling proud, not because I had delivered an amazing speech, but because I had taken that first step.
The Link Between Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone and Self-Development
This experience reminded me of something fundamental about self-development: it requires action. We can read all the books, listen to all the podcasts, and take all the courses, but real transformation happens when we do.
As a psychotherapist and self-development coach, I often see people struggling with imposter syndrome, fear of failure, and self-doubt. The irony is, the only way to move past these fears is to face them. If we wait until we feel ready, we’ll be waiting forever. The key is to take the step anyway to feel the fear and move forward regardless.
Each time we do something new, we rewire our brain. We prove to ourselves that we can handle discomfort, that we can adapt, and that we can grow. Over time, what once felt terrifying becomes second nature.
What This Means for You
If you’ve been feeling stagnant, stuck, or playing small, I want to encourage you to ask yourself:
• When was the last time I did something that scared me?
• Where in my life have I been avoiding growth because it feels uncomfortable?
• What’s one small step I can take today to push myself forward?
Maybe for you, it’s attending a networking event, trying a new skill, or even reaching out to someone you admire in your field. Whatever it is, don’t overthink it; do it. Growth is often about the small, consistent steps that take us beyond what we thought possible.
With love Natasha
Psychotherapist and Self-development coach
By Natasha Page Follow me on Instagram @Natashapagemsc