EXPLORING DISCOMFORT

 

Discomfort creates growth. It moves us forward. I believe that in order for us to achieve anything, there has to be a conscious decision to act, a fire in the belly that is bigger than your fear. Too many of us have many grand plans that never eventuate to anything. Planning is a good thing, but without action it becomes a lifestyle that puts us in the comfort zone. Without any concrete actions, we stay in the same place and never move forward. How comfortable are you at being ‘uncomfortable?’” - Frida Sumardjo

I would love to share with you the importance of exploring our "WHY". This motivates us to shift our thoughts into action. Our action speaks volumes and it is our responsibility to make it happen. Learning to embrace discomfort will maximise our true potential in whatever areas we choose to do. Let's explore further.

 

Every journey begins with a single step. When we do decide to start, we need to have the attitude that this isn’t something we’re doing just for a few days or few weeks, or until we arrive at a certain point. Instead, it’s something we are doing every day, until the end of our lives. It’s about committing ourselves to never being finished, never reaching the final summit, not accepting that this is all we are. This is what growth is. This is what change is.

Knowing “WHY” we're doing something keeps us driven. It’s important to know our WHY because when the going gets tough, this becomes our weapon what will keep us moving forward despite of being in discomfort.

 

EXPLORING TYPES OF DISCOMFORT 

The 2 common reasons for avoiding discomfort in my opinion are:

1. Discomfort of FAILING

“It is impossible to have lived without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well have not lived at all — in which case you fail by default” — J. K. Rowling 

The question is, can you succeed without failing? No, not unless “mediocrity” fulfils you. The best way to learn is through failure. When you fail, you learn. And when you fail big, you learn big. 

Think of it as your inspirational fuel - your motivation to work hard has to be really deep if it is to survive failures. And in a deeper sense, it can give your life meaning.

Our WHY should be bigger than your discomfort and fear of failing.

2. Discomfort of HARD WORK.

Hard work is a sign of courage. It is a sign that you want results. Its a sign that you are committed. To be uncomfortable is a process we need to get used to if we were to move forward. Every epic success needs the sort of work that goes beyond the “ordinary” type of effort. Where you are and who you are right this minute is determined by the type of choice and decisions that you have made in the past. 

SO HOW DO WE GET BETTER AT EMBRACING DISCOMFORT?

1. Stay with your VISION.

Eyes on the prize, with focus and persistence. You will enjoy the sense of pride at knowing that you did it and no matter what happens, you are not the same as you are if you were to sit still. You decided to act. You are already at a different place.

What are your Vision and Values? Who do you want to become? Where do you see yourself? If you don’t do this, will it leave you feeling unsatisfied? Will you always wonder “what if?”

2. Start SMALL

The act of starting is huge! It doesn’t matter if it is a tiny step. It doesn't matter if it is not what you expected it to be to begin with. There will be many obstacles along the way. Just act anyway. Keep moving with small steps. If you are a writer, start with a paragraph. If you wanted to do a marathon, start with a small jog around the neighbourhood. If you are dreaming of getting involved in a certain project, start making that phone calls or whatever. You get my gist. And do this EVERYDAY.

Think of it of it as a daily exercise. Mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually - these are the four pillars in life which intertwined to create wholesome life changing results. They are related to each other to create ‘balance’. Blockage or long term success could be hindered if we don't address all of these four pillars. For example, we can't build mental toughness if our emotional well being is not there. What issue do you need to tackle and address? Often this requires us to sit in discomfort to find the answers as well as our total honesty. Building these strong pillars are like building a strong foundation of a house. The stronger the foundation, the stronger it is to withstand any weather and attack. The weaker the foundation is, the quicker the house will collapse. This is what being resilient is all about. When we accept that being uncomfortable is part of this daily practice, the better we will be at sitting in discomfort. We gain confidence BY DOING.Remember if it was easy, then we wouldn’t have this battle of discomfort to begin with and everyone would have achieved everything with no problem!

3. Accountability and responsibility

Ultimately only you can make it happen. No one else can do it for you!! 

The discomfort we feel is because, in the process of becoming more, we are getting too big for our old selves. The pain is a sign that we have started to grow. When we feel like that, it’s a reminder that you are taking responsibility to becoming better than where you were before. You are ‘outgrowing your old shell’.

So grab that accountability and run with it!! Trust the process even if you don’t see immediate results.

Discomfort shapes our character, builds resilience, and creates confidence ❤️

Thank you for reading xx