This week I’ve been reflecting on how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Being entrepreneurs requires us to take risks and get used to the very real possibility that we might fail. It also requires us to learn and do things we never thought we were capable of. How do we get comfortable with that level of uncertainty and how do we embrace the rollercoaster ride? How do we get the balance right between stretching ourselves and pushing ourselves off the deep end of panic and burnout?
“You can only grow if you’re willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” Brian Tracy
How comfortable are you with feeling uncomfortable?
Many of us prefer the easy road. We have a natural tendency to stick with what we know, the status quo. It’s part of our human survival instinct. Our brains are wired to resist change, to avoid trying anything new, in their efforts to keep us safe. But as the saying goes ‘The comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there. Growth and discomfort go hand in hand. If we focus only on creating safety and security and chasing happiness, we cut ourselves off from the knowledge, skills and understanding that comes from challenges, difficulties and even pain.
In today’s world there’s no escaping change. Everything is in a constant state of transformation. Nothing is certain. When we hide from challenges, when we play it safe, we fail to grow and we fail to learn. To live fully and thrive in today’s chaotic world, we must be willing to embrace change, take risks and get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Here are my Top 10 Tips on dealing with change:-
🌟 Acknowledge your discomfort. Don’t try and fight it. You’re having a perfectly normal human reaction. Don’t hide. Let yourself be uncomfortable.
🌟 Notice what you notice. What are you telling yourself? How is your body reacting? What feelings are you experiencing. Let it happen and notice.
🌟 Ask questions. Don’t assume that it’s as bad as your brain and body are making it out to be. Is what you’re telling yourself true? How do you know?
🌟 Be curious. Taking an interest in what’s happening and how you’re reacting will slow down the fight or flight responses. What could you learn?
🌟 Count the cost. What’s the price of staying where you are, of not moving? Is the status quo really serving you that well?
🌟 What’s positive? There are always different ways of looking at things. What’s the upside here? Where are the opportunities?
🌟 Let go. Release your need for control and go with what’s happening. Not everything is a competition. Relax and try to enjoy the process.
🌟 Focus on others. Putting our attention onto serving others can help us through difficult and uncomfortable situations. Who needs your help?
🌟 Reframe failure. The more you can treat failure as feedback the more likely you are to learn quickly and move closer to your goals.
🌟 Embrace change. Instead of running from it, make a conscious effort to seek out new challenges. What are you scared of? What’s the next growth step.
It’s completely unrealistic to expect yourself to know everything or be able to do everything. Please be kind to yourself and if you’d like to talk through the choices you’re facing or any blockers in your business, let me know.
Lisa Zevi – June 2021