Some thoughts about getting out of your comfort zone in Japan - and in life.
Why this topic? Well, a couple of reasons...
Trying Stuff You Might Not Otherwise Choose
For many people, experiencing The Real Japan will mean doing and trying stuff that you might not otherwise choose to - largely because it takes a bit more effort.
But, in my experience, going off the beaten path more than rewards any challenges or new learning curves it throws at you.
Going off the beaten path more than rewards any challenges or new learning curves it throws at you
Fancy climbing to the top of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge - the world's longest suspension bridge - 300m up?
Or taking a icebreaker ship out into the winter ice floes off the northern coast of Hokkaido in deep winter?
READ: Why Travel Jitters are a Good Thing
Our Built-In Comfort Zones
Then there's us, as unique individuals. We all have our own in-built comfort zones. Some of us are better at pushing those than others. (This means I am not great at it!)
Overlooking Sendai from Aoba Castle
These are often very personal to us, but can impact on how we take on the world, including things like travelling. If we can face and beat those personal challenges, I'm convinced our lives (and our travel) will be better as a result.
If we can face and beat those personal challenges, I'm convinced our lives (and our travel) will be better as a result
In recent weeks I've received several personal emails and been asked publicly why I don't appear more in the videos on my YouTube channel.
It's a very good question.
READ: 3 Months in Japan - Without A Plan
What Takes Me Out Of My Comfort Zone
And the honest answer is that appearing on camera takes me out of my comfort zone.
Now, when it comes to travelling, I know that pushing one's comfort zone to 'go further' frequently leads to unplanned and delightful adventures - that I would never experience if I hadn't pushed my comfort zone a little.
Appearing on camera takes me out of my comfort zone
So, today I'm making a commitment to you that I'll be more open about exactly who I am and why I love doing what I do - and how I will do my absolute best to see that helps YOU discover more of The Real Japan.
And, yes, that will include me appearing in my videos more from now on.
The popular (an very entertaining) J-Vlogger JaDan recently published an interview with me on his most excellent YouTube channel. Watch the video below.
VIDEO: The Real Japan - Life In Japan
Subscribe to The Real Japan YouTube channel HERE.
Question:
Are you good or bad at getting out of your comfort zone? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
About the Author
A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s islands since 2000. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He’s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.
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Resources
READ: Japan - Why You Need To Go Beyond Tokyo
READ: 3 Months in Japan - Without A Plan
READ: Why Travel Jitters are a Good Thing
Feedback and questions welcome - leave a comment below.
I’m mostly nervous because of the long flight. After all these years and all those flights – I’m still scared every single time I fly. Can’t shake that off lol
That’s interesting Mats that you still have that fear after so many years of flying – but I understand it. My wife was a nervous flyer when we first met, but now she’s much more relaxed.