Calling out some motivational BS.

When inspiring and encouraging growth, have you heard “You have to get comfortable being uncomfortable”

I’ve heard it so many times, but it wasn’t until I heard it again a few days ago that it really rubbed me the wrong way. It was the trainer at the gym, in the peak of our treadmill incline discomfort. It was meant to be encouraging…  when I was there in the thick of the discomfort, it just rang as a BS platitude. 

There is no getting comfortable with discomfort— even the “good” discomfort of growth. It’s baked right into the definition of the word discomfort.  Yes, as you grow the place you were uncomfortable becomes comfortable… but that’s not learning to be comfortable with discomfort. That’s expanding your comfort zone. Which is really what we’re all trying to do. But let’s not trick ourselves into expecting it to get comfortable or easy “one day.” And definitely, let’s not make ourselves wrong for the discomfort of the discomfort. 

Let’s be real about it. It just freaking sucks sometimes. You know it’ll all be good when you get to the other side, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be present and honest about the part that sucks. And whatever our feelings are about the sucking part are A-OK.

I think the best we can do when we challenge ourselves and our comfort zones is get familiar with the feeling of being uncomfortable. Like “oh hey, it’s you again. I know you. I know here. You’re a cheeky bastard, and the place kinda smells like trash… but it’s ok. I’ll be ok.”

By all means Love, go chase your dreams and get yourself uncomfortable. And when you’re in the thick of it, just hang on till you get through! 

May your wifi be strong, may your naps be refreshing, and may you always know how loved you are.