Ryan McGrath is the CEO and President of Asset Living, one of the largest property management firms in the United States.
We live in a time where comfort and ease are prized, but as Michael Easter aptly puts it in one of my favorite reads from last year, The Comfort Crisis: “Comfort is the enemy of progress. It lulls us into complacency, stifles our creativity, and prevents us from reaching our full potential.” Discomfort often signals that we’re on the verge of something new and significant. It’s a nudge towards stepping outside our usual routines and expanding our horizons.
Recognizing The Value Of Discomfort
When faced with situations that stretch our abilities and challenge our beliefs, discomfort kicks in. This feeling is a clear sign that we’re pushing our boundaries—an essential part of personal and professional development. Growth happens not in the safe zones but when we venture into the unknown and take on new challenges. Confidence is often sitting on the other side of discomfort, much like the mountain you have to climb to see the view.
Instead of avoiding discomfort, recognize it as a compass pointing you toward opportunities for growth. Feeling uneasy about a task or situation often means you’re on the cusp of learning something new or overcoming a significant hurdle. Successfully navigating these moments can lead to enhanced resilience, skills and confidence.
Turning Discomfort into Opportunities
In personal growth, set ambitious yet attainable goals that push you beyond your comfort zone without overwhelming you. Seeking feedback from peers, mentors and even critics can be uncomfortable but invaluable, as it provides insights that spur your development.
Embrace failure as an inevitable part of growth. Instead of fearing it, view each failure as a learning experience. Analyze what went wrong, adapt your strategies and try again with newfound knowledge.
Look for new experiences outside your usual routine. This could involve traveling to unfamiliar places, trying out new hobbies or meeting people with different perspectives. Each new experience can add to your personal growth by expanding your worldview and adaptability.
Harnessing Discomfort In Professional Settings
Take on challenging projects at work that stretch your skills and force you to learn. This could mean leading a new team, spearheading a novel initiative or tackling a complex problem. Challenging projects often provide the most significant learning opportunities and can fast-track your career development.
Continuous learning is crucial as the professional world evolves rapidly, and staying relevant means continuously acquiring new skills and knowledge. This might involve enrolling in courses, attending workshops or learning from industry leaders.
Encourage innovation by fostering a culture that values experimentation and calculated risks. This keeps the workplace dynamic and progressive. People often focus on efficiency by removing friction, which is good, but sometimes you need that friction for growth.
Steps To Embrace Discomfort
Adopt a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities. This mental shift can dramatically change your approach to discomfort. Gradually expose yourself to discomfort, starting with smaller challenges and working up to bigger ones.
This gradual exposure builds your tolerance and confidence over time. Much like muscles grow stronger after being broken down, facing discomfort repeatedly helps you grow more resilient. Regularly reflect on your experiences with discomfort. Use these reflections to adapt and set new goals.
Establish a strong support network. Mentors, peers or support groups can offer guidance and encouragement as you tackle new challenges. Recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Acknowledging your achievements reinforces the positive aspects of embracing discomfort.
Embracing discomfort can unlock unprecedented levels of personal and professional growth. It reminds us that the path to success is paved with challenges that shape us. So, the next time you feel that twinge of unease, remember—discomfort is your compass, guiding you towards your next breakthrough.
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Read the full article here
