We’ve all been there—stuck in a routine, comfortable but stagnant. It's human nature to cling to what’s familiar. Yet, growth happens only when we step outside of our comfort zone and challenge ourselves. If you’re not willing to experience discomfort, then you’re not ready to achieve greatness. Growth, whether personal or professional, is forged in the fires of discomfort.
The Power of Discomfort
Think about your biggest achievements. Were they handed to you? Probably not. Whether it was running your first marathon, launching a business, or mastering a new skill, the road to success is paved with challenges. Discomfort is not something to avoid; it’s something to embrace. It’s the signpost that you’re pushing your limits and getting closer to the version of yourself you want to be.
You see, I believe that staying in your comfort zone is like living in a small, dimly lit room. You might feel safe, but you’re not growing. Every time you push against the walls of that room, you expand it. The more you push, the larger your room becomes, and suddenly, what once seemed impossible is now within reach.
My Own Journey with Discomfort
While I’ve expanded into coaching with Summit Coaching and Consulting, I haven’t completely stepped away from my contracting business. In fact, I’ve pushed the boundaries by combining both ventures. Balancing these roles has allowed me to explore what’s possible when you truly commit to growth in multiple areas. At some point, I may transition fully into coaching, but for now, I’m fortunate to be able to do both as I continue building my coaching business while pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
For me, discomfort has been a constant companion, but it’s also been the key to unlocking my potential. Whether it’s taking on new challenges in contracting or guiding my coaching clients through their own discomfort, I live what I preach.
Discomfort as a Tool for Growth
One of the biggest misconceptions about discomfort is that it’s negative. It’s not. Discomfort is simply feedback—it’s telling you that you’re doing something new, something that will eventually lead to growth. The more you lean into discomfort, the better you become at handling it. Your tolerance for discomfort increases, and soon, you’ll find yourself chasing after bigger challenges because you know that’s where the growth happens.
Imagine yourself like a piece of steel being forged in fire. The process isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Every challenge you face is like a hammer striking that steel, shaping you into a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. You don’t grow by staying in the flames, but by stepping through them and emerging on the other side.
How to Embrace Discomfort
If you’re ready to embrace discomfort, start by setting small, achievable goals that push your boundaries. Take a cold shower, start a new workout routine, or speak up in a meeting when you’d normally stay quiet. As you begin to feel more comfortable with discomfort, raise the stakes. Run that marathon, launch that business, or have the tough conversation you’ve been avoiding.
The key is to take one step at a time. Don’t overwhelm yourself by jumping into something too big too soon. Instead, gradually build your resilience, and soon you’ll find that discomfort isn’t something to fear—it’s something to pursue.
