During certain times in our lives, there are times in which we aren't eager to try new opportunities, new challenges or break out of our comfort zones. Trying an activity, hobby or something that is out of your comfort zone can be challenging but can reap the rewards if done right. Not every new opportunity you take advantage of may be a good experience but taking the time to enjoy new hobbies and activities can help build some of the best friendships.
Before I went to college, I never had the courage to run for any type of staffhead position for any of the organizations I was apart of due to the fear of possibly being rejected. I lacked confidence and didn't feel that I had the skills to lead people or feel I could even win the position. This fear I had made it difficult for me to want to take on any type of leadership roles during that time in my life.
During my sophomore year of college, this attitude of mine changed with an opportunity that was presented to me and the encouragement of two friends of mine. There was an opportunity for me to become an Assistant Promotions Director for the campus radio station at Otterbein (where I went to college) and after getting turned down for another position months beforehand and feeling down about that, I wasn't sure I wanted to run for anything again. It wasn't until the Webmaster of the station and the General Manager talked with me for a little bit that I finally decided to throw my name in the hat for the open position.
Unlike the months before, I ended up getting the position and the girl who was the Webmaster, the General Manager and others who worked at the station became some of my closest friends. These people took time to encourage me to work hard at the position, grow and develop leadership skills I never knew I had, and helped boost my confidence. I was able to trust these people (something I had trouble doing at certain times) and realized I was building great friendships with these individuals. Taking advantage of this opportunity not only helped me realize skills I didn't have but helped me develop some great friendships as well.
Had I not taken advantage of this new opportunity, I never would have made some of the great friends I had at the campus radio station and never realized some of the leadership skills I had. it opened me up to becoming more involved in this organization and others and I greatly benefited from going out of my comfort zone to try something new.
Even beyond college, I've taken advantage of new opportunities via the suggestion and help of others. I've become close with those who have helped me get more involved with my photography hobby, have become friends with a couple of people who have given me dating advice, and have gotten to know some other great people by getting out and trying something new. I've not only benefited and become more confident but have developed some close friendships as well.
Whenever you have the opportunity to try a new activity, you may not only benefit yourself but also develop some incredible friendships along the way too.
No comments:
Post a Comment