By Chelsea Clarke

At times in my life, I've thought there must be some trick to feeling comfortable around unfamiliar people, places and situations. Sometimes, I'd miss the confidence boat, and I'd feel uncomfortable or out of the loop with a new group of people. Other times, I'd feel like myself: confident, somewhat extroverted, and silly. But I always hated meeting new people and starting new jobs because it meant starting the whole process over, and I couldn't predict whether I would get into the right groove. 

The new endeavors--jobs, schools, parties, friendships--I have felt most comfortable in share a common link: I showed a little bravery early, and it made all the difference. Maybe this was making a joke on the first day of class, or sharing an honest moment with a new coworker. But it was taking a small social risk, even when I was feeling uncomfortable, that gave a great return. 

To some extent, I had to fake it until I made it. Improv comedy works that muscle of pursuing fear. It requires us to be comfortable in unfamiliar situations, and to be aware and present in the moment instead of clinging to a plan. 

In my day to day life, I feel much more confident sharing ideas, being creative, having fun right away. I travel to teach workshops to high-powered executives and accomplished teams on their turf, something I never could have imagined doing before. And in social situations, I am friendly and make friends much easier. On the whole, I like my interactions with people, both in work and personal life, better since becoming an improviser. 

Sure, dealing with new situations still makes me nervous every once in a while, but improv has not only made me more brave than before, but has decreased my anxiety time. Improv helped me feel how rewarding it is to be fearless, which has turned my impulses to bail or become uncharacteristically introverted into impulses to be open, funny, and nonjudgmental of myself and others.