Recently, I came across this video by a guy who made 366 new friends in 2016. In the video, he talks about how smart phones have created a bubble that limits natural moments of inter-personal interaction. So, he decided to put his phone down and try to meet new people. He ended up making 366 friends in 365 days. 

But this post is not about making more human connections or stepping out of our digital bubbles. My key takeaway from his experience was how he put himself out there and tried to make friends despite fear of rejection. And he faced a few of those as well. But he persisted ( :P) 

I think we all need to become more comfortable with being uncomfortable because it expands the potential of what we can accomplish (by) so much

Being a social introvert myself, I have felt this uncomfortable feeling too often, and most of them were even before making the attempt to talk. I have always tried to tell myself to ignore it and talk anyway (rarely succeeding). But his words made me rethink my point of view. We should not be trying to ignore our unease, but rather view it as something normal in the process of meeting new people – “get comfortable with being uncomfortable”. This shift in perception will ensure that we don’t quit something at the first hint of awkwardness. 

So, let’s embrace that anxiety, tension, apprehension and take a chance anyway. It is a risk worth taking.