The majority of people that I know seek comfort and stability.
They want to feel safe, secure, and in control of their lives and careers.
But in order to really reach your potential, you need to take off the security blanket and opt in to discomfort. Discomfort is often the precursor to feeling absolutely alive!
Those who learn to embrace it early on develop resilience, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in chaos — 3 traits that are incredibly useful in entrepreneurship.
And they start to chase something different. Something better. They chase that "aliveness" even though it requires them to work down and dirty through the muck and grime. Isn't that worth trying?
There's another benefit: since building this business I've leaned more and more into discomfort. The result? Discomfort starts to feel…comfortable. Unfamiliar territory feels less scary. Making the next move requires less assurance. Making mistakes seems less catastrophic.
Suddenly new opportunities and experiences don’t intimidate us. You learn to think on your feet, solve problems creatively, and push past your own self-imposed limitations.
Isn't this how entrepreneurs should feel and behave? Excited. Alive. Comfortable in discomfort.
I’m not suggesting that you seek out pain or hardship for the hell of it. I’m talking about taking more calculated risks, trying new things, and listening to new perspectives.
Feeling comfortable in discomfort.
So, how can you start embracing discomfort in your own life? Start small.
Write something. Publish something. Build something of your own. Take on a project that scares you, even if it's just a little bit. Speak up in a meeting when you normally wouldn't. Reach out to someone you admire. The more you practice stepping outside your comfort zone, the easier it becomes.
Growth and comfort rarely coexist. Misery and aliveness cannot coexist.
Open yourself up to a world of possibilities and set yourself up for long-term success by embracing discomfort slowly but surely.
It's not always easy, but it's almost always worth it.
Go on — feel alive. Good luck out there.
