Discomfort - it helps us grow

When was the last time you had a feeling of discomfort or felt uncomfortable, even terrified. At the extreme can you recall when your palms are sweaty, your heart was pounding, you couldn't sleep, anxiety would envelope you... Those feelings you would do almost anything to avoid? Ok, that is extreme but you get where I'm coming from...

Once you did what you wanted to avoid, how did you feel? Chances are 'good' is the feeling you felt afterwards - you asked someone on a

date, you spoke up about something, you had a tough conversation, you followed up on something ... (I am also aware that there would be times when you felt crap after doing the thing you wanted to avoid!)

Being scared stops us for trying so many things. Being scared can make us stick with the familiar. Scared of the uncomfortable.

To grow and progress in our life we have to get comfortable with discomfort.

It's widely proved that we all try to avoid pain and seek pleasure. Even though we know that seeking pleasure does not help us grow ... It doesn't help us when we want to reach our potential. We have to do things that push us. We have to stop making excuses.

I bet there is not one thing that you treasure experience wise that you didn't put effort into?

Pain and sacrifice are in many ways the key to success. We desire accomplishment and satisfaction in many areas of life and we have to go through discomfort to achieve these.

• Losing weight takes willpower to eat less and better;

• Having that hard conversation takes courage;

• That job interview may be terrifying but could land you your dream job;

• It’s intimidating to ask someone on a date but it’s the only way you’ll find your soulmate;

• Public speaking is anxiety ridden but increases confidence and articulation.

Without a level of pain, you’d never reach your potential.

When you’re uncomfortable, you’re growing. A little healthy discomfort is where we meet our potential.

Life begins just outside of your comfort zone.

I'm all about being curious so use curiosity to navigate your way through discomfort. When opportunities come up, take them.  You will always be second guessing or over thinking if you don't jump in. Thinking too much will not help. You need to just do it. To confront the fear or take it by surprise. Once you overcome the fear and get comfortable with your discomfort you will realise that anything is possible. That you can reach your potential.

Agree to getting out of your comfort zone at least once a week. 

Why not go somewhere different and introduce yourself or try to start a conversation with someone new.

Or haggle a better deal on a fixed price item at a shop or put the wheels in motion on an idea you have had for a while.

Ask yourself 'What is the worst that could happen?' and if the worst is that you may feel stupid or not good enough that's your discomfort and do it anyway...

Repeat this until it's a habit. Discomfort never goes away - unless you live in the comfort zone and don't grow!

The only way to avoid discomfort is through inactivity/laziness - OK I said it and no one wants to hear it. Say no to every opportunity that crosses your path and you will be free of the anxiety that comes with stepping outside your comfort zone. Don't complain to me or anyone else that you are bored or have nothing to do. You will stagnate and lose interest in life. Harsh words I know but it's true.

Last month I booked a painting and wine night with a couple of girl friends... I can't paint... I can drink wine... we all laughed and had a blast and guess what... the paintings weren't bad! We got out of our comfort zone (OK, half way out as wine is my comfort zone).

Let discomfort ignite your potential.

We stay in relationships that we should have left years ago, we keep treading the floor of a job we hate for no other reason than it’s comfortable.  When things are comfortable or manageable, there’s no motivation to make a change for the better.

Again ask yourself 'What is the worst that could happen?'. It’s never as bad as it seems and the opportunities will be worth their weight in…well, your potential being shown to the world!

It takes courage to try new things. It takes courage to get out and do stuff. It take courage to get uncomfortable.

Get OK with discomfort, feel it, challenge it and I promise you you won't regret it.

I would love to know what uncomfortable experiences have led to major (or minor) breakthroughs for you?

Dawn x