Why Discomfort is Essential for Personal and Professional Growth

In the space of the last month, I have undertaken two challenges that made me feel uncomfortable at best, and downright hangry at worst.

The first - and definitely hardest - of these pursuits was the Ration Challenge, in which I spent a full week living off the same rations that a Syrian refugee living in a camp in Jordan would. I knew I would certainly not 'enjoy' the challenge, and anticipated a rough few days of headaches brought on by caffeine and sugar withdrawal. However, what I did not expect was how bereft I felt. Sad as that is to admit, it turns out my internal reward system is actually just a hardened chocolate shell (or a melty wall of cheese). Without the anticipation of a delicious coffee to start each workday, a Friday knock-off wine, or a weekend filled with brunches and restaurants, I dragged my feet through the interminable week, feeling at turns resentful and angry. Resentful that I'd WILLINGLY SIGNED UP FOR THIS EXPLETIVE; angry that this was the reality faced by so many people, without an end in sight (unlike me). Humans are simple creatures, and a little treat is often enough to lift our spirits. I found it heartbreaking that these refugees, who've already endured more than my privileged perspective can fathom, don't even get that little treat to look forward to.

At the conclusion of the challenge, I had raised $800 ($300 over my goal), and was in posession of a very flat stomach - and more gratitude than I had felt in a long time. I floated on a pink cloud for days. Excellent fundraising outcome aside, gritting my teeth and leaning into the discomfort made me realise anew just how very powerful the mind is. We can only do what we tell ourselves we can do. Abstractly, I knew this - but I was due a reminder, and this was a timely one indeed. My second challenging pursuit was just around the corner.

Last Friday, I put together and presented my first webinar, conducted over Zoom while several of my colleagues from around the country watched on. My last attempt at public speaking had resulted in literal tears, so I was very nervous about it. And as it's generally frowned upon to down a fifth of vodka during a lunchtime conference, liquid courage was out; I had to rely on my stone cold (or actually rather sweaty) sober self. So with the above experience fresh in my memory, a few days out from the presentation I made a point of telling myself "I can do this". Repeatedly. And you know what? I did. It wasn't perfect, but I did it. And I'm going to tell myself I can do it again, and do it better, because I know I can.

I would love to hear others' stories on this subject - when was the last time you leapt (or crawled) out of your comfort zone?

"Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life" - Susan David