Our culture has gotten so out of control when it comes to avoiding discomfort at all costs. We take an advil at the first sign of a headache, we wear jackets to avoid crisp air hitting our skin- we never walk on the earth barefoot- examples are endless.
The problem is- discomfort is how we grow. A crab is very uncomfortable when it need to shed its shell and grow a bigger one- discomfort is tied to growth.
When we avoid discomfort we are remaining stagnant. Just like stagnant water grows bacteria and becomes undrinkable, when we are stagnant we become ill- mentally and physically. Movement, just like a rushing stream, keeps you healthy. We know this about the body- and it is also true about the mind.
Push yourself into uncomfortable places- challenge yourself to do things you have never done before. People avoid things they don’t know how to do for fear of looking dumb. I play guitar, so I always relate this to playing an instrument. No one picks up an instrument and plays it like a professional musician the very first time. You have to look dumb for a little while until you at least get the basics down. The same is true in any other circumstance in life.
Everyone has to learn. My daughter is learning to drive right now. It’s scary. I ordered her a magnet for the back of her car so people know she is learning. She looks like a terrible driver to other drivers on the road, but SHES NOT. She is LEARNING.
So, your challenge for the week is to pick something you don’t know how to do- that the idea makes you uncomfortable- and do it anyway. Stay safe! Don’t put yourself in harms way- that’s not the exercise. Uncomfortable- not irresponsible.
You got this!
Talk soon,
-Michal
