Are you comfortable with being uncomfortable?
You’re probably thinking, “Of course, I’m not! Comfortable is comfortable. How could anyone ever be comfortable being uncomfortable?”
It’s a great question. However, we need to think about the end game.
It’s like getting advice on how to run correctly. You may have been running for years, but never been to a running coach. Finally, you go to a coach, who tells you, “Well, actually, you’re spending far too much time on your heels. You need to start running more on your toes!”
At first, running on your toes feels strange. It takes time, but eventually, you get the hang of it, and find yourself running better than before. The end goals and benefits of running better, faster, more efficiently and with a purpose far outweigh the initial discomfort of running differently.
So, let’s ask the question again: Can you get comfortable with being uncomfortable?
Yes, you can! Especially in business. You need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable to make your business great.
How do you react to advice?
Typically, when we receive advice, our initial reaction is to go on the defence. We justify why we do what we do, and point out why the other person is “wrong”.
We need to remember that we’re born with two ears and one mouth. This means we should listen twice as much as we speak, and when we speak, we should seek to understand before trying to have our position understood.
We also don’t like change. Change can be uncomfortable, but when we look back, most of the changes we’ve experienced have been for the better. Think back to 15 years ago, when we didn’t have iPhones or virtual reality. Now, think about the future – imagine what incredible advances in technology we’ll have. None of these things come about by being comfortable.
The sooner we get comfortable with being uncomfortable, the better the outcomes we experience personally and professionally.
How do we get comfortable with being uncomfortable?
The first thing is to start. Start trying to do what you know will feel uncomfortable.
The next step is: don’t quit. Keep going. Push yourself out of your comfort zone, embrace the feeling of discomfort. Surround yourself with forward-thinking people, seek advice from those who have already achieved what you want to achieve, celebrate your successes, and repeat.
If you find yourself feeling comfortable, ask yourself why. Could you reach a better business outcome if you ventured out of your comfort zone and got a little uncomfortable?
We know it can take 21 days to create a habit, so have you done what you’re trying to do often enough to create a habit and turn your discomfort into comfort?
What do you need to change?
Continual change is the only way we can improve ourselves and our businesses. What do you need to change?
Is it your leadership style? If you prefer to direct and control others, should you try to empower them instead?
Should you delegate more and give your team more accountability and space for creativity?
Perhaps you need to work on your decision-making style. Do you make decisions without consulting others? Should you try to get everyone on board before deciding? Is your decision making too quick or too slow? Should you take more time with your decisions and bring everyone along with you, or should you be quicker to get better, faster outcomes?
One of our clients, a CEO, has finally decided to learn how to touch type! He is a highly successful entrepreneur and is not afraid to get uncomfortable – which he certainly is as he learns this vital skill! Yet he knows it will be worth it.
So, are you willing to get comfortable with being uncomfortable for the benefit of your business?
Let me know what you need to get uncomfortable with. Email me at corinne@tweakhr.com.au.
