Embracing Discomfort
A Key to Personal Growth
Dear Reader,
It is Sunday, afternoon, and I am sitting here in my little creative studio, the room is filled with smell of coffee, and I am writing this letter to you, hoping that you are open to exploring new perspectives with me today.
Recently, I am reflecting quite a lot on a model that has been instrumental in my journey of self-discovery: deliberate discomfort. And here I am to share some thoughts on why practicing discomfort can be transformative, as well as how and when one can adopt this concept to achieve growth.
What is deliberate discomfort? The roots to its principles are described and explored in various philosophical and psychological traditions. Ancient Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Seneca emphasized the importance of enduring hardship with courage and resilience, viewing discomfort as an opportunity for inner transformation. In modern psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques often involve exposing individuals to challenging situations to help them develop healthier coping mechanisms and overcome fears. Furthermore, researchers in the field of positive psychology have explored the idea of "productive discomfort" as a means of enhancing well-being. To be a bit more laconic, “deliberate discomfort” is an idea or call it a principal of voluntarily stepping outside of our comfort zones and confronting challenges, we can expand our capabilities, build strength, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives.
I can admit that embracing discomfort did not come to me effortlessly. It was a gradual process of self-reflection that ultimately led me to jump. I challenged myself in different ways, but hardest was when in my 40’s I decided to immigrate to another country, leaving behind comforting atmosphere of my home, were everything felt safe and familiar. But you know what? Safe and familiar can sometimes be a trap. I realized I was coasting, just cruising through life, without stimulating myself to understand: What are my limitations for growth? I felt too comfortable in the environment. So, I moved on, and it was a leap into the unknown, filled with uncertainty and challenges, but it ultimately proved to be one of the most transformative experiences of my life.
And this is when and how I understood the power of discomfort to catalyze personal growth and evolution. I confronted my fears, adapted to new surroundings, and developed resilience in the face of adversity. And while the journey was far from easy, I cherish the lessons I learned and the person I became along the way.
But embracing discomfort doesn't always have to involve such monumental decisions. It can be as simple as setting incremental goals that push us to face our limitation, whether it's speaking up in a meeting, trying a new hobby, exercising, or having a difficult conversation with a loved one. By taking small, manageable steps outside of our comfort zones, we build confidence and resilience, making it easier to tackle larger challenges in the future.
As for when to practice discomfort, the answer is anytime and anywhere. Life is full of opportunities to step out of “safe and known environment” to unknown and puzzling, and it's up to us to grab them. Whether it's trying something new, taking on a challenge at work, or simply pushing us to do better each day, the key is to approach discomfort with curiosity and openness.
And while you are here and still reading, I would like to offer you a small exercise to help you get started with embracing discomfort:
Start Small: Begin by identifying areas of your life where you tend to seek comfort or avoid discomfort. This could include avoiding difficult conversations, staying within your physical comfort zone, or indulging in habits that provide temporary relief but hinder long-term growth.
Choose a Discomfort Practice: Select a specific discomfort practice that you're willing to incorporate into your routine. This could be taking cold showers, fasting for short periods, or practicing mindfulness meditation in uncomfortable positions. Choose something that pushes you slightly outside of your mental boundaries but is still manageable.
Set Clear Intentions: Before engaging in the discomfort practice, set clear intentions for what you hope to gain from the experience. Remind yourself that discomfort is a natural and necessary part of growth, and that by willingly subjecting yourself to it, you're building resilience and strength.
Start Gradually: Ease into the discomfort practice gradually, especially if it's something you're not accustomed to. For example, if you're trying to run a 5K marathon, start by exercising 30 minutes every day combining 45 second walk and 15 second run (45/15) then gradually increase the duration and intensity over the time.
Stay Present: As you engage in the discomfort practice, pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Notice any resistance or awkwardness that arises but try to stay present and focused on the experience rather than getting caught up in negative thoughts or judgments.
Practice Self-Compassion: At first, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable or even resistant when practicing voluntary discomfort. Be gentle with yourself and practice self-compassion as you navigate these feelings. Remind yourself that discomfort is a sign of growth and that you're taking proactive steps toward personal development.
Reflect and Learn: After completing the discomfort practice, take some time to reflect on your experience. What did you learn about yourself? How did you cope with discomfort? What strategies helped you stay resilient? Use these insights to inform future discomfort practices and continue building your resilience muscle over time.
Every day I remind to myself that embracing discomfort is not only a pathway to personal growth but also an essential ingredient in a fulfilling and meaningful life. I can unlock my full potential only when I can openly and with curiosity challenge myself.
I encourage you too, to reflect on how you can incorporate deliberate discomfort into your own life and embark on your own journey of self-discovery.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. How do you embrace discomfort in your own life, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
Wishing you courage and curiosity on your journey,
If you enjoyed this article please Follow me on a mission to achieve clarity of thoughts and overcome common misconceptions thinking and Subscribe to my newsletter Coffee Break Coaching
Show your support by leaving a comment, hitting the 👍🏻like button, or sharing this post with others who could benefit from this transformative content.
Have a Great Start of the week!
Thank you and see you on your next Coffee Break! ☕️