Feeling Awkward Is Not A Sign You’re On The Wrong Track

We've all been there - trying something new, trying out a new idea or concept, and suddenly feeling incredibly awkward and uncomfortable. That little voice in our head starts piping up, telling us, "This is wrong. You're on the wrong track here. You should just go back to what's familiar and safe."

But here's the truth - feeling awkward and challenged when stepping outside your comfort zone is completely normal. In fact, it's a sign that you're doing the right thing by stretching yourself. Let me explain.

Our brains are essentially hardwired to resist change and stick to familiar patterns. This tendency kept our ancestors safe from potential threats. But in our modern world, where risks are more about personal growth than physical danger, this hardwiring can hold us back.

When we try new things that activate different neural pathways, our brains sound the alarm bells. We feel uncomfortable sensations like anxiety, self-consciousness, and confusion. Our instinctive reaction is to retreat back to the well-trodden paths that feel easier.

However, these awkward feelings have nothing to do with whether we're heading in the right or wrong direction. They simply mean we're engaging our brain's neuroplasticity - its ability to create new connections and update its programming. And that's an incredibly valuable process for personal growth and skill development.

Just think about learning any new skill, like playing an instrument or public speaking. In the beginning, you feel supremely awkward and self-conscious. Your hands don't cooperate, your words come out jumbled, and you're hyper-aware of every tiny mistake. But if you embrace that awkwardness as part of the learning process rather than a sign to quit, you'll soon progress through that phase into higher levels of ability.

The same applies to any personal growth work, whether it's improving your communication, becoming more assertive, or changing ingrained thought patterns. When you start doing things differently, your brain will resist at first. You'll feel awkward, doubtful, and like you're on the wrong track. But if you can be self-aware enough to recognise those feelings as just your brain's status quo bias, you can work through them.

So the next time you try something new that activates those awkward, uncomfortable sensations, don't take it as a sign to retreat. Instead, view it as confirmation that you're doing the hard work of rewiring your brain for positive change. Embrace the awkwardness as part of the growth process. Have self-compassion, and keep pushing forward through that phase. The more you do, the more those new neural connections will solidify into empowering new skills and mindsets.

Personal growth is rarely comfortable, but it is worth it in the end. Don't let your brain's instinctive resistance fool you into thinking you're on the wrong track. If you feel awkward, it likely means you're headed in exactly the right direction to create the positive change you want in your life.

Do you want to try something new that may be a little bit scary, and you don’t know where or how to start? About to embark on a new business venture or start a new chapter in your life, and you’d like support to help you navigate all the uncertainty that’s blocking you moving forward? Or maybe you’re just tapped out and want to change your life so that your wellbeing, and fulfilment are a priority?

Reach out and book a call with me so that you feel clear and empowered to take the next step.