1. Discomfort allows growth. Whether you are talking physically
(it’s hard to become more fit while comfortably sitting in your
favorite chair, and especially when you first begin exercising, you will
feel real discomfort!), mentally (thinking about new things, concepts
and ideas requires energy), emotionally (doing something different can
be hard), you cannot grow until you push the envelope of your comfort
zone. If you want more of anything in your life – from healthy
relationships to a healthy body weight to a healthy bank account (and
everything in between) – you must grow in knowledge, skills, habits and
more. You must grow, and all true growth occurs outside the comfort
zone.
2. Discomfort builds confidence. Ever noticed that the more you
do something successfully the more confident you become? How do you get
better at something – by doing it exactly like you did it before?
Probably not. Confidence comes in part from competence, which comes from
practicing and trying new things in order to improve. See the
connection? It is hard to build confidence sitting comfortably in the
easy chair.
3. Discomfort promotes creativity. Creativity is borne of
necessity. People create new things, ideas, concepts and products when
they have a problem – or in some way are outside their comfort zone.
Often creativity is tapped to help regain comfort, which is great. The
point is that when you feel or notice some discomfort or lack of
satisfaction with your situation, you will likely be driven to innovate
and be creative to find a remedy. If you want to be more creative, look
for your discomfort.
4. Discomfort overcomes resistance to change. When we are
comfortable, we are less likely to want to change – almost by
definition. When we have a lack of satisfaction or have become
uncomfortable with the way things are we are far more open to change.
Change, of course, to create a new situation that is better and
ultimately creates a higher level of comfort.
5. Discomfort facilitates goal achievement. This is the
culmination of the other four points. If you want more learning, growth,
promotion, profits, etc., you must consciously get outside of your
comfort zone. Ask yourself this question: “Do you want your goals enough
to put up with a bit of discomfort, or even fear?” Especially when you
realize that the very discomfort will help drive you to your goals. If
so, great. You know what to do.
If not, go ahead and sit back in your comfy place. Just don’t be surprised when you don’t create a better future for yourself.
Seth – thanks for sharing my thoughts. I’m glad you found them connected to your work!
Kevin 🙂
Thanks Seth! Have been propelled by these very things for so ling. Up until now, I’ve wondered if it was a character flaw & now it may be the unseen nudge. These days, the comfy doldrums are more frightning than the wide empty plain to traverse.
Cheers!
Discomfort has been my all too present and available travel and life companion these past couple of years, but then again, the benefits (easier to see and feel looking back retrospectively) have been commensurate. Thanks for seemingly always validating where I am at.
Peace.
Well this is encouraging cause I’m reallllllllll uncomfortable right now 🙂
Me too, Pridge. Kathy and Allie – hang in there – it’s worth it. As you say, Kathy, the benefits are commensurate.
Educators call it “disequilibration.” It’s the best way to learn.
This is fabulous.