Are You Feeling Uncomfortable? It’s Good for Change

Are you feeling uncomfortable? Fear not. Feeling uncomfortable is good for change.

How Can Feeling Uncomfortable Be Good for Change?

The more you hear about change, how change is constant, that you should embrace it, and that it inevitably produces something other than the status quo, the more you might want to run away.

·??????? Could that be because the thought of change makes you feel uncomfortable?

·??????? That’s the whole idea.

When you begin something new, whether it’s a different job you take, approaching someone you’d like to get to know, trying a cuisine you’ve never had before, picking up a book, and devouring the contents to gain knowledge, it does feel a little alien. You’re understandably uncomfortable.

That’s a good thing.

“The more uncomfortable something is, the more we know we are driving change.” – Harriet Green

Embrace Change but with a Caveat

If it felt good to barge into the unknown, there might be many more accidents or missteps. You’re not a daredevil.

It would be best to have sound judgment, a solid plan, and carefully weighing strengths and capabilities before you venture forth.

How does this work in the real world? Here are two sample scenarios.

Scenario #1

Amy, the public relations manager for a small company, was tasked with creating a PR campaign for a new product the company was about to launch. The advertising was all set. Amy needed to coordinate messages in the “free” arena of PR exposure so that they dovetailed with the ad campaign.

What Amy Did

Nervous, knowing her stature in the company was on the line, Amy was a little reluctant to offer some stretch recommendations for getting additional free exposure. She knew from experience with her previous company that you need to take measured risks to achieve results. She put together her presentation and delivered it to the company president.

What Happened Next

At first, his reaction was inscrutable. Amy thought her proposal was dead. Then, he smiled and said he’d think about it, that it had some merit, and he’d get back to her the next day. Amy left the materials with him and went back to her office.

Granted, she had taken a risk, going beyond her comfort zone – and that of the company president – but she presented her plan with confidence and authority.

The Outcome

The outcome of this scenario was positive. The company president approved the PR plan, Amy put it into effect, and the resulting free publicity helped boost awareness and recognition in concert with the advertising campaign.

The situation was uncomfortable initially – for Amy and the company president. But pushing past that stage with a solid plan meant driving change.

Scenario #2

Another scenario involves a young married couple with a new baby. The wife feels overwhelmed caring for the infant and misses the personal attention she used to have exclusively with her husband. For his part, the husband feels a little left out of the equation, with his wife spending so much time with the baby – whom he loves dearly.

What the Couple Did

An uncomfortable situation. Both husband and wife have issues and concerns. They decide to talk openly about them, feeling their way through the awkwardness by discussing their emotions calmly, respectfully, and lovingly.

The Outcome

They reach a compromise where each feels their concerns were attended to, and they emerge with a stronger bond and enter a new stage of their lives: parents.

How to Get Comfortable with the Uncomfortable

As for how you move past feeling uncomfortable to drive change, here are a few suggestions:

·??????? Always have a plan first, then move forward.

·??????? Expect some resistance, but don’t be deterred by it.

·??????? Consider alternate scenarios and have backup plans ready.

·??????? Enlist others supportive of your efforts.

·??????? Measure results. These will help reinforce the validity of driving the change.

·??????? Be forward-thinking. After this change, what’s next on your list?

Remember, change is inevitable. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, remind yourself that this is good for change. Learn new things each day and add to your skills and experience.

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