Yesterday I accepted an invitation for a Get Uncomfortable 30 Day Challenge that a friend of mine was putting on. Basically the idea is that for the next 30 days we do one uncomfortable thing each day in our lives and/or businesses in the name of growth. So I thought I’d share a bit about what getting comfortable with being uncomfortable means and why you might want to challenge yourself to do this too.

It’s so easy to get stuck doing the things that feel safe and comfortable and before we know it, 5 years have gone by and we still have a list of the things we want to do. And it’s never been touched. Of course we can continue to do what we’ve been doing – actually that’s what most people choose to do. But you’re not most people. You want to get off the hamster wheel of life and decide to do things differently, right? So if that’s what you want it’s time to get uncomfortable, face your fears, and take some risks. 

You might be asking yourself what it means to get uncomfortable. It can take many different forms, but basically, it involves doing things that are outside of our usual routines, habits, and thinking patterns. It might mean taking a big risk, facing a fear head-on, challenging your assumptions and beliefs, or trying something new and different. If what you’re doing right now feels like being on autopilot, getting uncomfortable might mean you pause, zoom out, and decide intentionally what you want to continue to do and what you want to do differently. And then you take massive action to make the changes you said you wanted to make.

Benefits of Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Now, I know it can be scary to step outside of our comfort zones, but the benefits of doing this are huge. Here are just a few of them:

Making Powerful Decisions and Trusting Ourselves

When we get uncomfortable, we learn to make decisions more quickly and trust that we’re capable of following through with what we decided to do. This can help us build confidence in ourselves and our ability to make choices that are best for us. One of the beliefs I have is that the most successful people know how to make quick decisions and they have their backs on the decisions they make. They trust that the decisions they make are right for them, and they believe that they’re capable of figuring out how to make them work, regardless of the next steps.

Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable Helps Us Build Confidence in Ourselves

When we lean into the discomfort of trying new things and we follow through with our plan, we build trust and confidence in our abilities. It can feel scary at first, but the more we do it, the more we realize we’re capable of so much more than we ever thought possible. This is how we build our capacity to do bigger and bigger things.

Learning to Feel Our Emotions

Getting uncomfortable can help us learn to process our emotions more effectively. Yes, we might feel fear, anxiety, or uncertainty. But if we’re willing to lean into those feelings, acknowledge them, and give ourselves space to actually feel them, we build our capacity to feel any emotion. And if we’re willing to feel any emotion, we become unstoppable.

Getting Comfortable with Imperfection

Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable can help us move away from the need to do everything perfectly. Instead we learn to embrace the learning opportunities that come with making mistakes. When we’re too focused on being perfect, we stay stuck in what feels safe and comfortable and avoid taking risks, trying new things, and reaching our highest potential.

Becoming a Leader

Allowing ourselves to get uncomfortable can help us develop the skills and confidence we need to step into leadership roles in our personal and professional lives. Leaders often have to make difficult decisions and take risks, so getting uncomfortable can be a great way to prepare ourselves for those challenges.

It can also help us get to know ourselves better. When we step outside of our comfort zones, we’re exposed to new experiences, perspectives, and ideas. We learn more about ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, and what we’re capable of achieving. The more we know ourselves and the better relationship we build with ourselves, the more effective we’ll be when we continue to step into those next levels of leadership.

Resource (blog post): How to Find Yourself Again After 40

So, my friend, don’t be afraid to get uncomfortable! It’s not always easy. In fact, I haven’t met anyone who’s said it’s easy, but it’s so worth it in the end. Whether it’s taking a big risk, facing a fear, challenging your beliefs, or trying something new, remember that every time you step out of your comfort zone, you’re growing, learning, and becoming more of the woman you know you were meant to be. Just imagine the life you’ll be able to create if you’re willing to lean in and get uncomfortable.

Resource (blog post): Why Discomfort Is Good for You

One Last Note!

If you’re wanting to dip your toes into this idea of getting uncomfortable, grab my 31 Journal Prompts for Self Discovery below.