Many of us have a desire for comfort. Whether it’s our favorite food, a cozy blanket, or a comfortable work environment, we feel our best when we are at ease.
However, there is such a thing as becoming too comfortable, especially when it comes to our careers. In the field of web design, getting too comfortable can lead to stagnation and falling behind the times. Continuous growth and evolution are necessary for long-term success.
So, how do we combat this? By embracing discomfort. Putting ourselves in uncomfortable situations from time to time can have great benefits.
In this article, we will explore why stepping out of our comfort zones is beneficial and suggest some actions you can take to shake up your career in a positive way.
Discomfort Isn’t Always a Bad Thing
We often associate discomfort with negativity. For example, sitting on a couch with a spring poking you in the backside is definitely uncomfortable. However, not all discomfort is bad.
As web designers, there are many things that may make us uncomfortable:
- Working with unfamiliar tools or technologies;
- Using programming languages we are not familiar with;
- Dealing with client requests for features we haven’t built before;
- Collaborating with colleagues who we perceive as more skilled than us.
But these uncomfortable situations also present opportunities for growth and expansion. With the right mindset, any initial discomfort can be temporary and lead to valuable skills and experiences.
Activities to Embrace Discomfort
If you want to become a better web designer, it’s important to allow yourself to feel uncomfortable. Here are some activities that can help ease your fears:
Identify Your Weaknesses
Start by identifying the skills or areas that make you uncomfortable. Dedicate time to learning and improving in those areas. Remember, you don’t have to become an expert overnight. Even small progress can make a difference in your career.
Socialize Outside of the Office
Web design can be a lonely profession, especially for freelancers who work from home. Getting out and interacting with others in the industry can be beneficial. Attend meetups or conferences to meet fellow web professionals and gain new perspectives.
Take on New Projects
Challenge yourself by attempting projects outside of your comfort zone. Try using familiar tools or technologies in new ways or explore completely new areas of web design. The process may be intimidating, but it can also boost your creativity and motivation.
Contribute to the Web Design Community
Share your work, contribute to open-source projects, blog about your experiences, or mentor others in the industry. While this may make you feel vulnerable, it can also lead to valuable interactions and personal growth.
Keep Moving Forward
The goal of embracing discomfort is to inspire progress. You don’t have to constantly put yourself in uncomfortable situations, but incorporating these activities into your career can have long-lasting benefits. By stepping out of your comfort zone, you can keep your skills, creativity, and enjoyment of web design at their peak.
