Facing Fear, Making Choices, And Embracing Discomfort

In a recent business workshop, I found myself talking about discomfort. I like to be a little bit uncomfortable all the time. No, Im not crazy. But if I consciously choose to act in the face of (irrational) fears, I will be uncomfortable for a while. Sometimes our clients stare at me in disbelief when I suggest that they create discomfort in their lives. Didnt they come to me to help them solve business problems, not create more problems? Dont we all want our lives to be easier, not harder?


The truth is that in order to make our lives easier, we often first have to make them harder. We have to consciously choose to do something different, stop doing something, or start doing something. Change is often uncomfortable, because we are letting go of the familiar. Even our fears are draped around us like some familiar and comforting cloak; letting go of them feels difficult, because they are part of our model of the world around us.


If we like where were at, there is no reason to get uncomfortable. If were dissatisfied in any way, we need to accept that our experiences are a direct reflection of what is happening inside of us, fears and all. We need to first look inside and expand our comfort zone before we can change our reality.


The good news is that as we get used to our expanded boundaries, what was once uncomfortable becomes comfortable. The thought of not wearing my glasses used to be extremely anxiety provoking. Recently, I decided to get uncomfortable. Now, I start all of my mornings without reaching for my glasses, and I go for a long walk with what I call naked eyes. Why? Because Id been clinging to an irrational fear. Theres really no reason to believe I cant find my way home again. It took about 2 walks to discover that not only could I do this, it opened my eyes to the world around me in a new way. By not looking at details, I noticed more colors and patterns. Not only had I removed a fear, I had found a whole new, enriching experience. Today, I go for walks with naked eyes without hesitation. A couple of mornings of discomfort to help me get past an anxiety Id been carrying around for the past 30 years? Now thats a discomfort Ill take on any day!


This is a small example, but it made me realize that the greatest growth Ive experienced has come from choosing to be uncomfortable. Afraid of public speaking? I used to be now I love it. Afraid of cold calling? I used to be now Ill talk to anyone about anything. Without a willingness to get uncomfortable, our business wouldnt be half as successful as it is today. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable! The discomfort will fade away; the benefits will be lasting, and youll start experiencing success in areas that were previously unimaginable.