Embracing discomfort

Is there something you want to do but you’re finding it hard to summon the motivation to get started or to keep going? I think it’s safe to say we have all been there.

One of the common reasons that we procrastinate or never end up starting in the first place, is because growth is often uncomfortable.

It can bring up difficult emotions like fear, anxiety, awkwardness, insecurity, boredom and more.

And when we experience those uncomfortable emotions, we may interpret them as a sign to quit or not to start at all.

However, a 2022 study from Cornell University and The University of Chicago indicates how embracing these uncomfortable emotions can be a catalyst for our growth.

Individuals who were about to engage in a personal growth activity such as improv, expressive writing and learning new information were told that experiencing discomfort is a sign of growth. Compared to control groups, those individuals who focused on embracing discomfort as they were engaging in the activity, were able to...

▶ Stay focused for longer
▶ Took more risks
▶ Had greater perceived progress towards their goal

The next time you think out starting that challenging task, instead of focusing on trying to build confidence...

...flip the script and focus on embracing discomfort because discomfort is often a sign you're growing.

How will you apply this to your own life? Let me know in the comments.