Growth Requires Discomfort
If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always gotten.
Growth begins where comfort ends.
It’s a simple truth, but one that most of us avoid. Comfort feels good, but it is a trap.
If you want to grow, improve, and move toward your ideal life, you must be willing to step outside your comfort zone. That’s where all progress happens.
Comfort Feels Good – But It Keeps You Stuck
Think about it. When something feels easy, familiar, and safe, you’re operating inside your ability level. You’re inside your comfort zone.
That’s not always a bad thing – it means you’ve reached a level of competence and confidence in what you’re doing.
But here’s the catch: as Marshall Goldsmith said “What got you here won’t get you there.”
If your goal is growth – whether in your health, career, relationships, or happiness – you must intentionally go beyond what’s comfortable.
If it feels easy, you’re not evolving.
“All change occurs outside your comfort zone. This is true physically, mentally, spiritually and financially. No change can occur inside your comfort zone. Push your body past the weight it is comfortable lifting and it will grow stronger. Push your self past its own comfort zone and you will grow stronger.” - Steve Chandler, Wealth Warrior
Why Growth Requires Discomfort
Growth is, by definition, the process of doing something you’re not yet good at. That means it won’t feel smooth. It will feel awkward. It might even feel scary.
And that’s the point.
Discomfort is not the problem. Discomfort is the only path.
Let me give you a personal example: skiing. I love it. I can have a great day cruising groomed blue runs, staying fully within my comfort zone. I’ll have fun, and I won’t fall. But I also won’t improve.
If I want to get better at skiing steeper terrain, increasing my edge angle or skiing moguls – I have to push beyond what feels safe. Doing that is no longer easy, and it feels uncomfortable. I may fall. In fact, if I don’t fall, it’s a sign I didn’t push myself far enough! But it’s also the only way I can become a better skier. Progress only happens at the edge.
“You cannot pursue greatness and comfort at the same time. Commit today to stepping outside your comfort zone and set some goals to help you get there. In short, grow.” - Todd Henry, Die Empty
Fear, Anxiety, and a Simple Shift
When we hesitate to do something – speak up, launch an idea, make a change – it’s often because of fear: fear of failing, of looking foolish, of not being good enough.
But here’s something powerful to remember: your body doesn’t know the difference between fear and excitement. The physical signals – heart racing, butterflies, sweaty palms – are the same.
So next time you feel that nervous energy, try this simple trick: say to yourself, out loud, “I’m excited!” Use enthusiasm in your voice. You’ll feel the shift almost immediately.
This works wonders in public speaking. Most people dread it. But if you reframe the nerves as excitement, you’ll perform better – and enjoy the experience more.
"Your infinite potential exists outside your comfort zone." - Phil Stutz
Everyday Examples of Growth Through Discomfort
Growth doesn’t just happen on ski slopes or big stages. It happens in your daily life:
Fitness: Lifting heavier weights or pushing through the last rep – it’s uncomfortable, and it’s how your muscles grow.
Career: Asking for a raise, applying for a new role, or starting a side hustle – scary, but that’s where you advance.
Relationships: Being vulnerable, admitting fault, or sharing your real feelings will likely be uncomfortable, but are essential for deep connection.
Learning: Trying something new, fumbling through a skill, and being a beginner doesn’t feel good at first, but it’s the only way to learn.
Let Discomfort Be Your Compass
Here’s a mindset shift that will serve you well: Discomfort isn’t a warning, it’s a sign you’re doing something that matters.
If you feel uneasy, nervous, or stretched, you’re on the right track. Discomfort is how we know we’re growing.
So instead of avoiding it, start seeking it out.
Four Tools to Step Beyond Your Comfort Zone
Reframe nerves as excitement. When the pressure rises, say: “I’m excited!”
Do one uncomfortable thing a day that is just a bit beyond your comfort zone. Call it your “growth edge.” A conversation, a new skill – something that stretches you.
Visualize success. Picture yourself on the other side – stronger, better, happier. Let that motivate you through the discomfort.
Celebrate effort, not outcome. Falling means you tried. And that’s what counts.
What’s One Thing You’ve Been Avoiding?
Ask yourself: “What’s something I know I should do – but haven’t – because it makes me uncomfortable?”
Now, commit to doing it. Pick a day and commit.
Want support on your journey?
Start with our free course, Design Your Ideal Life, and learn how to align your daily actions with your deepest vision. And if you’re already on the path – take a moment today to step into your growth edge. Your future self will thank you.
“To achieve what you want, you will have to do what you don’t want, over and over. To gain all the great comforts in life, you have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” - Darren Hardy
