In business, the goal is to offer a product or service that solves a consumer problem. For fun, take a moment and think of the last thing you spent money on. I promise, your inquiry inevitably leads to solving a human need.
This is economic law. Problems equal money-making opportunities. However interesting this theory, I’m not qualified to speak on it but highly recommend reading James Altucher’s Choose Yourself for more information.
We are programmed to solve problems. In his article The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F@#$, Marc Manson explains how solving problems leads to happiness. We are constantly solving problems. The majority of the time we’re unaware it’s even happening. Through time, our subconscious becomes conditioned on what to do so we stay safe and, well, happy.
Our desire to solve problems stems from our want to avoid discomfort. Our advancement as a species is amazing. To think that fourteen thousand years ago, our Neolithic ancestors had just figured out how to farm. Sounds like a long time ago, but it’s not when considering how old our planet is.
Sometimes, discomfort is healthy. It helps with creativity and growth. It sparks new ideas and revolutions. This can be applied to both ourselves and the World. The engine of progress is fueled by solving difficult, uncomfortable situations.
However, in our personal lives, have we become too dependent on comfort. Further, what if getting comfortable with uncomfortable situations is actually the first step to growth.
Consider how often we avoid things that are good for us because they’re uncomfortable. Working out, eating healthy, confronting a person about an issue, or a random act of kindness to a stranger. We defer taking action because of the initial feeling of discomfort even though the subsequent result brings comfort.
Could we find a healthier, more productive form of comfort by becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable? Wow, that sentence on comfort made me uncomfortable. Anyhow, moving on.
Have we become a culture of entitlement, avoiding anything that brings discomfort? And really, what is comfort or discomfort. It’s a subjective view on reality. Truth be told, comfort or discomfort is not real. It’s our brains telling us what we should and shouldn’t do.
Discomfort is merely our ego trying to protect itself.
I say screw that. Consciously choose what is best for you regardless of what your mind says. Make the decision from a place of growth.
To grow, we must disconnect from our limiting beliefs. Take a knife and sever the tie from thoughts that are stopping you from taking your life to the next level. Our limiting beliefs derive from our pre-conditioned desire to avoid discomfort.
By embracing uncomfortable situations in your life, you inevitably become more comfortable.
Stop taking the comfortable, easy route, take the difficult, uncomfortable one. Les Brown has a great quote, he says “if you do what is hard, you’ll life will be easy, and if you do what is easy. Your life will be hard”. Make it a priority each day to engage in events that make you uncomfortable. I challenge you to take these difficult situations head on. By doing so, you’ll create new habits tailored around the idea that discomfort really is just a step towards growth.
Discomfort and Building your Mental and Physical Threshold
Engaging in uncomfortable situations will increase your ability to perform mentally and physically. Consider your current state. You may think your capacity to perform meets all your standards. You’ve reached a comfortable position and are satisfied. Great, I commend you. However, what if you decided to go a little bit further. Instead of doing that comfortable set of 8 repetitions at the gym, do 10. Instead of reading for 20 minutes of productive material a night, do 25.
What you have now set a new standard. Small steps into the realm of discomfort can produce amazing results over time.
I have a daily affirmation that is quite simple. 1% better every day. Sounds simple, but if compounded, in the span of a year you have gotten 3800% better. Interesting to think about.
Challenge yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Rather than viewing uncomfortable moments in life as negative, view them as an opportunity to grow, develop, and become the best human being you could be.
Call to Action
For the next 7 days, try this. Take your usual shower. Once you’ve completed rinsing off and are preparing to get out, turn the water all the way to cold. I mean this, as cold as you could get it. As the cold water begins rushing down your skin, begin mindfully controlling your breathing as best you could. Deep breath in, deep breath out, for ten breaths. Embrace the discomfort.
Once you’ve completed your ten-breath exercise, turn off the water and exit. The aftermath of this experience will have you feeling euphoric. The intent of this exercise is to inoculate yourself to discomfort and train your mind to see the benefits of overcoming.
From here, sit back and what the evolution begin.