There is really no way around this: If you want a better life, you have to learn how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Most people are more comfortable with the status quo because it’s so much easier to seek what’s familiar and safe. They can sniff a hint of uneasiness and run in the opposite direction as fast as possible – it’s one of the major reasons why they might find it so hard to change their habits. 

Feeling inconvenience makes our hearts pound, our palms sweaty and our stomach doing somersaults. That’s completely normal.

However,  if your not aware you might unknowingly find yourself disguising your discomfort by picking up negative habits that don’t serve you or get rid of those feelings of uneasiness. They can range from binge eating, alcohol, overshopping, over Instagramming or some other addiction.

But when you finally rise up and befriend your discomfort, you empower yourself with one of the most essential survival skills you can cultivate. It doesn’t come naturally, and it can be a bit overwhelming at first.  You have to commit to working at it to actually achieve it. 

It’s not easy and definitely scary, but very worth it. It’s in that area of discomfort where you find out what you’re truly made of. As you practice this, you become tougher and more experienced. Youll begin to hold on, weather the storm, knowing that it’s temporary and will eventually shape you into the person who you’ve always wanted to become but never knew how. You begin to realize that it’s a part of a long-term strategic plan for you to continually grow and gain clarity.

Pushing boundaries, breaking limits – that’s when you grow as a person and begin finding new possibilities to help you reach your true potential. It’s when you’re uncomfortable that you actually test your character and resilience. When you’re on a journey of self-discovery, it’s normal to face some bumpy times emotionally. Learning how to be comfortable with discomfort will boost your confidence and build your self-esteem over time. That’s why it’s important to work on this skillset because you’re the only one who can face your fear and stand strong in the face of turbulence. 

You can’t always have a clear picture of every outcome, you just have to take that uncertain leap of faith and trust yourself to deal with the outcome no matter what. Learning how to be comfortable with discomfort will build your faith.

The rewards of stepping into discomfort are many. When you push past your comfort zone your creative juices will start flowing and you can receive many new ideas. Also, although putting yourself out there and feeling self-conscious can be frightening, it can also be dynamic and feel intoxicating.

Here are a few ways you help you embrace discomfort and use it to improve your life:

• Write about it. Putting your ideas down on paper eases their hold on your mind so that you are free to confront your fears and think more clearly, not the other way around. It’s a great way to organize your thoughts and feelings. You may find a fresh perspective on that challenging decision that has had you paralyzed with fear. Instead constantly ruminating over the same thoughts, you can begin to sort them out and come up with a plan to move you forward.

• Find support. You find a positive support group or seek therapy, talk to a trusted friend or family member. Knowing that you’re not alone, that there are others who feel the same fears and doubts, is a powerful tool for growth and forward movement. You are never really truly alone.

• Meditate. Practice deep breathing techniques that help to clear your mind. The practice of steady breathing alone has proven to decrease stress hormone levels and bring a calm inner strength. If you prefer movement to sitting down, go for a walk. Research shows that fresh air coupled with a healthy dose of sunshine clears the cobwebs and bolsters your resolve.

•  Get a massage. The human touch plus the detoxifying effect of the actual massage will definitely put things into perspective. Therapeutic massage releases ‘happy hormones’ which fight against the harmful effects of stress, thus helping you realize that any hard times will pass and that you can come out on the other end that much stronger for it.

• Find inspiration. Pick some quotes that inspire you, write them down and put them somewhere accessible so you can easily see them. Knowing other people have gone through similar experiences and have lived to tell about it will give you that push you need to keep going.

• Track your progress. Revel in how far you’ve come. You’re a changed person and you should be proud of all you’ve accomplished. It can help you build up your confidence even more by seeing how strong you are. Then, ultimately, reward yourself for all your hard work – you’ve earned it!

Once you master the fine art of becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, you can pretty much master many things in life. You can do this. Start small and build on each success. Before you know it you will have transformed into a better version of your beautiful self.

As always,

Be well + prosper

Elaine