Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
One of the most important points I make with my coaching clients is that there will be times in your life when you’re going to be in an uncomfortable situation or phase. Being stagnant and staying in your comfort zone doesn’t always allow for growth during those times. But by stepping out of that comfort zone, not only do you give yourself the opportunity to grow, but you’ll also be able to excel.
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
Whether you’re approaching college graduation, starting a new job, or in the midst of emerging adulthood, you might be afraid of the unknown or fearful to step away from what you know and are comfortable with. But those steps are necessary to move forward - to grow.
Fear of failure is often at the root of this hesitance. This is understandable and a natural reaction. But I am here to remind you that those steps are vital to your personal growth.
Here are some tips on how to move forward despite discomfort:
Take that first step - I always encourage clients to take action rather than be stagnant. You may not be 100% sure of what that first step should be, but any momentum that you generate will help you in reaching your goals. And once you have that momentum, and some incremental wins, it will make the next step in the process a little easier.
Celebrate the small wins - yes, taking that first step is a win. Celebrate it. Reflect on the adversity you may have overcome to get there.
Learn as you go - you may find yourself using the word ‘failures’ when things don’t meet your expectations. I like to call it a learning experience. Take what you can from it and move on. Reflect, regroup, and keep moving forward.
You are not alone - whether it’s family, friends, teammates or co-workers, find the people in your life who support you and lean on them when you face a challenge. If you need help, I am here. Reach out to see how I can support you in moving forward.
Being 'Brave'
There is a famous quote by Nelson Mandela where he said:
"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."
Rarely will you find important or life-changing decisions that are not accompanied by fear and hesitance. By definition, a life-changing decision will change your life - that may seem daunting. But facing that fear, and moving forward is the only way to progress to the next level. Whether it is a move out of your parent's home, graduating from school, or into a new job, these are all BIG steps. Ones that may make you uncomfortable.
But by getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, rather than becoming paralyzed by fear, you can start to recognize this as a time to reflect, regroup and move forward anyway.
You will Survive
After a few times, you will start to see that fear and discomfort is survivable. You can start to see growth as a positive step and that your comfort level can expand to include new, and more exciting opportunities.
Need help?
Are you stuck in your comfort zone? Unable to take the next step - or unsure of what that step might even be? Reach out to me at mc@michaelcascinicoaching.com or click HERE to set up a free consultation to see how I can help you define and take the next steps to move you forward.