A psychologist has explained why tackling the things that frighten you most — from getting lost to riding rollercoasters and public speaking — can significantly boost your self-confidence.
Comfort Zones Limit Potential
Psychologist Dr Eleanor Bryant, from the University of Bradford, believes too many people spend the majority of their lives within the safety of their comfort zones, missing out on valuable opportunities for self-discovery.
She argues that confronting daunting situations head-on, and learning how you handle them, is a powerful way to build confidence. With that in mind, she's encouraging people to throw themselves into something that scares them but appeals to them — whether that's tackling a Halloween maze, asking someone out on a date, or taking the plunge with wild swimming.
Her remarks come as she joins forces with Alton Towers Resort to celebrate its annual Scarefest event, which offers a range of immersive scare mazes and attractions.
Taking Small Steps
Dr Bryant said: "People often stay in their comfort zone because they know the parameters. They know what will happen. The unknown can be terrifying because people don't know how they'll cope with the feelings that come with it.
"However, if all your life is spent in your comfort zone, you may miss opportunities to reach your full potential."
"The more you take small steps outside your comfort zone, the easier bigger challenges become. If there is no significant harm in doing something, do it."
"People can often look back on their lives and regret missed opportunities for happiness and excitement because they've spent too much time existing within a safe little bubble."
The Psychology of Thrills
She explained that part of the draw of rollercoasters and scare attractions stems from what psychologists describe as "benign masochism" — the act of willingly seeking out experiences that feel frightening or uncomfortable, despite knowing there is no genuine threat.
"You get all the anticipation, fear and adrenaline that come with the experience, but you also get the relief afterwards," she added.
"That journey from fear to relief is a huge part of why people enjoy it. For some people, it's the adrenaline itself they enjoy. For others, it's proving to themselves they can do it."
"The reward often comes afterwards when you realise you were frightened but coped. That feeling of achievement can then be applied elsewhere in life because you've demonstrated to yourself that you're capable of handling situations that initially felt intimidating."
Building Confidence Through Experience
She also argues that many people fail to appreciate how confidence can grow once they begin exposing themselves to manageable challenges: "One of the reasons stepping outside your comfort zone can be so powerful is because our brains are incredibly adaptable.
"We know from neuroplasticity that we can continue learning throughout our lives and create new pathways in the brain."
"Whether it's learning to become more confident, more self-compassionate or simply less fearful of something, our brains adapt to the experiences we expose ourselves to."
"The more often we do those things, the less intimidating they become. People often assume confidence is something you either have or you don't, but confidence is built through experience.
"If you repeatedly challenge yourself and discover you can cope, eventually your brain starts to expect success rather than fear failure."
Howard Ebison, vice president of Alton Towers Resort, said: "Dr Bryant's comments highlight something many people can relate to - that some of life's most rewarding experiences often begin with taking a step outside your comfort zone."
"Scarefest gives people the chance to experience that unique feeling of overcoming a fear in a completely safe environment."
"Whether it's stepping into a scare maze, riding one of our thrilling rollercoasters after dark or simply doing something they wouldn't normally do, guests often leave with a real sense of achievement."
