Embrace Discomfort: Why Getting Comfortable Is Holding You Back

Lately, the phrase “embrace discomfort” has been frequently mentioned, prompting me to reflect on its relevance in both our personal and professional spheres.

In the pursuit of happiness and success, many of us seek comfort as the ultimate goal. We strive for stability, security, and familiarity in our lives, often avoiding anything that disrupts our sense of ease. However, the truth is that getting too comfortable can be detrimental to personal growth and fulfilment. In fact, embracing discomfort and making it an explicit goal can lead to profound growth and self-discovery. Within the Customer Support organisation at #Contentful, we’ve actively embraced discomfort with one of our core values #growthmindset, recognising its transformative power. Through facing numerous challenges, we’ve not only experienced personal growth but also witnessed tangible contributions to our business performance and achievements.

Comfort Breeds Stagnation

Comfort zones are cozy places where we feel safe and unchallenged. I mean who doesn’t love a “good old routine” or “a well-known task we know we can do efficiently well”. While comfort zones provide a sense of security, they also foster complacency and stagnation. When we become too comfortable, we stop pushing ourselves to learn, explore, and evolve. We settle for mediocrity instead of striving for excellence.

Growth Happens Outside the Comfort Zone

True growth occurs when we step outside our comfort zones and confront challenges head-on. It is in moments of discomfort that we discover our true potential and resilience. By embracing discomfort, we open ourselves up to new experiences, perspectives, and possibilities. This is how we succeed and yield results. For example, when embarking on a new project, challenge, taking on a new skill or encountering a new sales prospect or team to manage, initial uncertainty often triggers discomfort as it deviates from familiarity and routines. However, embracing this discomfort leads to a learning journey that wouldn’t have been possible within the confines of one’s comfort zone. This discomfort ultimately catalyses growth. That growth is one step closer to success and achieving your goals.?

Discomfort Fuels Innovation

Some of the greatest innovations and achievements in history have been born out of discomfort. Therefore take that risk and embrace that discomfort. When we are pushed beyond our limits, out of our usual routines, we are forced to think creatively and adapt to new circumstances. Discomfort sparks innovation by challenging us to find novel solutions to problems and overcome obstacles. In the Customer Support teams at Contentful, to prepared ourselves for growth, we recognised that after aligning processes and implementing changes, which required time to adapt to, we embraced that discomfort by tackling the challenges, and improved our ability to deliver exceptional customer service, thereby expanding our offerings to better serve our customers.

How to Embrace Discomfort

Embracing discomfort is not easy, but it is essential for personal growth and self-discovery. Here are some strategies to help you make discomfort an explicit goal in your life:

1. Set Bold Goals: Challenge yourself to pursue goals that stretch your abilities and push you out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s starting a new business, learning a new skill, or traveling to unfamiliar places, set goals that inspire growth and exploration.

2. Embrace Failure: Failure is a natural part of growth and learning. Instead of fearing failure, see it as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow stronger. Embrace failure as a stepping stone towards success, rather than a roadblock.

3. Seek Discomfort: Actively seek out opportunities to challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s trying a new hobby, taking on a leadership role, or engaging in difficult conversations, lean into discomfort and embrace the growth that comes with it.

4. Cultivate Resilience: Building resilience is key to thriving in the face of discomfort. Cultivate resilience by practicing self-care, maintaining a positive mindset, and surrounding yourself with supportive relationships.

Conclusion

While comfort may provide temporary relief, it ultimately stifles personal growth and limits our potential. By embracing discomfort and making it an explicit goal, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, experiences, and opportunities for growth. So, dare to step outside your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and embrace the discomfort that leads to true fulfilment and success.