Why This Introvert Went Out of Her Comfort Zone

Hello everyone! I’m Marielle, and I’m an introvert pushing myself past my comfort zone. Though I love my routine & find comfort in my predictable bubble, I usually find myself craving change & a challenge.

Sometimes, I just feel out of place in my own skin, as if I’ve outgrown it. I love the idea of learning something new, and the challenge of getting good at it. I’ll admit it can be a little stressful at times, depending on the learning curve, but the experience is usually worth it.

If you feel the same, or just want to live vicariously through me then read on!

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Start of an IDEA

I didn’t get that far, for other reasons, but even then I figured I wouldn’t be a good designer if I didn’t even know how to make a YouTube video in the first place.

At that point though I hadn’t yet considered actually creating my own channel. However, I did – and still do -like the idea of building my own brand and designing my own merchandise. I suppose I’ve just always had a thing for wearing something I designed.

What can I say, I’m a woman of very particular tastes. It helps that as an artist, I can usually figure out how to make something on my own. Barring that, I taught myself how to DIY almost anything to suit my needs.

Plotting out a ROADMAP

The idea grew on me eventually, and that’s when I tried to think through the pros and cons. I know, it’s free to make a channel and relatively low-risk, but I like lists, ok?

One of the biggest cons was that it was DEFINITELY outside of my comfort zone. Ironically enough, one of the pros was also that it was outside my comfort zone.

Yes, you heard that right, and no, I didn’t stutter. What can I say except that I like a challenge? I easily get bored.

There are other reasons why it was appealing. A part of me is used to being a part of an online community. Even though I haven’t been part of one for a while, I do miss that low-commitment socialization. 

As an introvert, there’s just something easier and less awkward about being able to think about what I want to say and reply at my own pace. I feel less pressure with online interaction than meeting strangers in person. While I’m fine on a good day, it sucks a lot when I’m feeling drained and I feel that it shows.

Then there’s the reasons why I “shouldn’t” do it, or why it might be a bad idea. As an introvert, it’s more logical to conclude that I should just write a blog. I’m A LOT more confident in my writing than my speaking skills. That makes total sense and there’s nothing wrong if that’s the route you want to go on.

But I felt that I wouldn’t grow as much if I only did the blog route.*

*EDIT: I have since (clearly) revised my opinion on this. Mainly due to time constraints, but also I’ve realized there’s nothing wrong with trying both.

Some might say – and they’re NOT wrong – that I don’t have the typical personality of a YouTuber. Think bubbly, high-energy, or just plain charismatic. The bubbliest I get is only possible through vast amounts of caffeine.

List of my potential niche ideas:

1. ART VLOG: As an artist, it made the most sense to start an art channel, but that didn’t sit well with me. Plus, having just finished a commission, I realized my work style might not be the best or easiest to vlog. I tend to hyper-focus while working, so I’m pretty sure I won’t even notice if my camera battery dies. Not to mention, it will throw me out of the zone to get up and change it.
2. STYLE VLOG: I also considered styling outfits. But I felt like I would just end up buying clothes and only wearing them for the video, which feels like a waste. I had this whole dilemma wondering if fashion vloggers returned items they didn’t like, or just shove it in the back of their closet. I simply didn’t have the space to spare for that, and I felt icky returning a lot of items.
3. FOOD VLOG: I thought about being a food vlogger, but then I wasn’t sure if I could eat something interesting every single week. This just seemed more work & money than necessary. Cooking is already a lot of work without having to set up a camera each time. Alternatively, dining out all the time would cost too much money, with no guarantee I could monetize that.
4. TRAVEL VLOG: – My favorite niche option was traveling. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do anyway, whether for work or fun. But as a kid, I didn’t know what type of work would be the best fit for me & my skill set. I know I’m adventurous and pretty organized, and that I prefer middle-to-low social contact.

Then the pandemic happened, and most or all those ideas were pretty much a moot point…

Turning that idea into ACTION

Ultimately, what decided it for me was looking back on my photos and well, escapades (hah!) I had pre-pandemic.

The overwhelming feeling was that I regret that I didn’t do anything while I still could.

I mean I still can now, obviously, since you can now find my YouTube channel here! But back then, it was a lot easier, or at least less outside factors that restrict movement.

So I decided to just get over myself, and start doing something – anything – instead of just thinking about it.

If I keep doing only what I’m used to, I know I’ll get stuck in my comfort zone. While I don’t mind retreating there when I need to, I don’t want to spend the rest of my life stuck inside my comfort zone.

So I took a step out of my comfort zone

Oh, the other nice thing about doing the whole YouTube thing is that I get to say when I AM DONE talking. No more trying to be polite about ending a conversation. I get to just do this:

BYE!

Watch it on YouTube