Embrace Being Uncomfortable
Dior Ginyard
Player Engagement | Forbes 30 Under 30, Sports | The Athletic (NFL) 40 Under 40
When I think back during my time at Lockheed Martin, I have vivid memories about how much I was able to grow professionally. It was my first job right out of college, and I was immersed into an environment that included some of the best and brightest in their respective fields.
But there is one common feeling that I carried throughout the week during my two and a half years - the feeling of being uncomfortable. I remember the nervousness and anxiety I carried into almost every meeting because I wanted to make sure I sounded polished and was articulate in front of my peers. During those meetings I tried my hardest to fit in the word leverage into something I was sharing - I was uncomfortable!
Now that I look back and I think about my professional journey to this point in my career, I'm now realizing that it's those times that I'm uncomfortable that have helped me progress the most. Time and time again heading into those meetings I felt out of my league, and admittedly I was. But as I embraced the fact that if I wanted to grow and get better I had to force myself into these uncomfortable moments, I noticed a shift. Over time I actually got better - at my craft, the way I talked, the way I engaged - after spending time embracing something that bothered me it got easier. And that's really the big reveal.
If you have goals of where you want to be or objectives of what you want to accomplish, you have to understand that the only way to get there is by putting yourself in those uncomfortable situations. The situations that force you to grow. Embracing how uncomfortable and foreign it is to start a new job, lead a new project, fix an issue, they aren't based on tenure or seniority. Everyone and anyone will face those moments, and if you're really looking to be the best version of yourself you should welcome the feeling with open arms.
So I'll leave you with this...
Everyday when I step on the metro headed to work, I miss how comfortable my bed is. I would love to lounge around the house all day. But each and everyday I ask myself this question, "Is being comfortable going to get me where I want to be?"
Embrace being uncomfortable this week, and drop a note in the comment section to share your experience in that moment with everyone!
As someone who is self employed and trying to build her business, I’m definitely in an uncomfortable season that is testing my faith. But I’m learning to be still, especially in a new city where stillness is probably doesn’t exist. Learning to move when God says and knowing he is going to meet me where my faith is. The unknown, the unchartered, the untouched, the uncomfortable, is where God wants me to be.
Community Engagement | 2024 Anthem Award Winner ??
6 年Dior, thanks for sharing. The benefits of being uncomfortable are many. Thanks for the reminder. I'll definitely be connecting with you.
Director Community Support Services at City of Roanoke Redevelopment & Housing Authority
6 年100% great advice and way to look at things.
Real Estate Investment Partner, Property Management & Business Sales
6 年It’s encouraging knowing I’m not the only one going through this. My my field I have to consistently speak to people that don’t know me and build rapport & trust. That initial introduction is naturally uncomfortable because we are both feeling each other out. It’s a game I play daily and trust me...some days I don’t want to play. As you mentioned it’s a vital part of growth and development....the more I do it the more comfortable and confident I am. Great Post!
Senior Executive Assistant at United States Department of Defense/ TS/SCI
6 年Such an outstanding read! I've been battling myself about leaping out on faith to began a new journey because I've become complacent with my current role. But everyday I understand in order to grown and become non complacent you have to be uncomfortable!