Ask HN: When did you last put yourself out of your comfort zone?

I was an Intel Officer. I served at different times as a analyst team lead, an Intelligence Platoon Leader, and a Battallion Intelligence Officer. Although I did go on some patrols and some raids and generally left the confines of the base numerous times, I certainly did not have the same kind of exposure to direct violence that many of our fine Infantryman and others did. I was fortunate in never coming under direct small arms fire, but I was near mortar and other indirect attacks.

I would certainly do it again. I learned a great deal about myself, leadership/management, and the world that I think I either would not have learned in the civilan world or at least not as fast. I also think I contributed to my country and (arguably) the world in ways that I could not have otherwise. I consider it a very bright point in my life.

Again, I was very fortunate in coming out with no real physical injuries and no mental trauma. I have friends that cannot say the same. Even for me, it was a great strain on my family and it was the birth of my son that persuaded me to return to civilian life.

I would certainly do it again, and I have recommended it to many of my younger friends. But I always recommend it after making sure they know that it is risky business, especially in combat arms in times of conflict. I knew two people, one of them a friend, who had what would be colloquially described as mental breakdowns. I knew several others that bear major scars from physical scars. Mercifully, I never personally knew anyone killed in the line of duty, but you only need to watch the news to be reminded that it happens. I have known several people get divorced because of it, and it came close to ruining mine before I returned to civilian life.

So, for me it was definitely positive personally, and I think that that holds true for most people who serve. I do not regret it, and I recommend it as an excellent career and way to serve for people with the right temprament. But it should never be forgotten that it carries risks.

Dancing is awesome. The dorm I live in had free dancing lessons last year - I got to meet girls and move around the floor looking like a goof for free.

I got my first taste of conference speaking this year. Last fall, when my UI concept video got all its coverage, I received a couple of invitations to speak at tech conferences for the spring. It was very intimidating at first, especially as these were overseas. My primary fear was that they assumed I had already founded a startup based around the concept and would have all sorts of practical experience to share, so I talked down my experience with them a bit—but they were still interested, so I agreed to go right ahead!

I'd never been abroad before, so I had to do my homework on passports, visas, the Schengen agreement, and so on, while trying to put together something I thought would be of value to the attendees. As the dates drew nearer, I had a number of "I can't believe I'm actually doing this" moments, but I tried to stay confident.

In the end, it was more than worth it. The conferences and hosts were great, I got to experience some other cultures, and even though I still have some work to do on presentation rhythm, the audiences were very receptive.

I think leaving your comfort zone forces you to grow, so even if you sustain some short-term bruising, the overall growth makes it worth it.

I knew I wanted a career in software, but I figured that out just as I finished a completely unrelated degree (business, as it happened). Eventually I decided I was just going to make it happen somehow, bought some books, and started jamming the knowledge into my head.

It was hard at first, but I really loved it once I got going. Way outside my comfort zone, and I felt a bit insecure posting to forums with my complete newb questions.

After really getting serious, with maybe eight months of coding every day after work building stuff I thought was really cool, I said all right, screw everything, this is for me. I did something terrifying: Gave my boss six months notice and started saving for my move to the west coast.

After I moved, I wanted a break from working for the man. I worked for myself another half a year building iPhone apps, sharpening my skills, and generally having a good time. About the time my savings ran out, a Bay Area startup hired me to do product stuff and now, voila, I'm in the industry.

Funny thing is, I miss writing code so I still do it at night after work.

A lot of time out of my comfort zone but a lot of growth, too. And if I hadn't forced myself to do it, I'd still be stuck in Florida, doing work that didn't really connect with what I care about.

So I dunno, I think if you get the sense you're out of your comfort zone, that's the feeling of your mind straining to grow to meet your new challenges. So far, it has worked well for me.

Thank you all for the truly great responses. You have all inspired me.

I've always pushed myself past my comfort zone ever since i was a little boy. Thankfully i had a very supportive mother who always encouraged me to explore my limits.

Doing so has always resulted in positive outcomes for me, but in the last few years pushing limits hasnt been quite so positive, or at least i thought it wasnt.

I realise now that its the attitude i take towards the events and circumstances, and what i choose to take away from my experiences.

I will say all in all, that if i happen to push out of my comfort zone as a matter of conscious choice, then the result is always positive, even if seemingly i have failed, for what better than to have learned something.

When its against my consent, i think thats when i tend not to look at things in a positive light, but i should learn to.

Anyway, once again, you have all truly inspired me, with some great experiences.

Thank you.