Being Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

~ Never shy away from being uncomfortable. It is in those moments you learn more about – you ~ talkswitheve

Being comfortable with being uncomfortable takes courage and you can do it. However, it does require stepping out of your comfort zone and doing things you would not normally want to do, or even think about doing – ever!

Benefits of staying in your comfort zone

Being comfortable with being uncomfortable is challenging for me, however, as my comfort zone is my happy place. Life is uncertain, and change is constant, and so the familiar place for me is my comfort zone.

Comfort zones keep us grounded, and free from stress. Why is that? That is because we know all that we need to know, (we think), and we know what we need to do. We do not have to think about anything. Therefore, there is a safe place in staying in your comfort zone.

I operate at my best, and come alive, from my comfort zone. There are things I am good at doing from my comfort zone that may be difficult for other people. For example, writing comes naturally and is quite easy for me. I even journal at the end of every day.

I am also a great organizer. I am not anal about it (maybe a little), nor do I blow a gasket if something is not in alignment. However, please sit the kettle flush on the burner – even when not in use – thank you for your cooperation (in my best Robocop voice)!

Benefits of expanding your comfort zone

Fear tends to hold us back but that is because we are used to what we know, and anything else is new and unknown. However, what is beyond and on the other side of fear is your growth. You will find out something about yourself – you are really stronger than you believe.

Fear is not something to be feared – you can leverage, and deal with it. You can triumph over your fear and with each success you become more comfortable. So you are building on and expanding your comfort zone each time you step out from it, face and conquer your fear.

Benefits of leaving your comfort zone

Life, for many, is good when they are in their comfort zone. It is not a bad or good thing to remain in your comfort zone – your entire life – if you so choose. You are a unique individual and what works for someone else will not work for you. Always do what works for you, as that is where you find your happiness in life.

Leaving your comfort zone is important and beneficial for personal growth. Is there a goal you want to achieve but are reluctant to step out of your comfort zone? Challenging yourself pushes you to perform at your peak. I lived life in my comfort zone until I took a risk in my 50s to go back to school for a doctoral degree. I was overwhelmed at first at the intensity of the assignments and almost panicked, almost, at the thought of writing, and orally presenting, a dissertation. I was encouraged and supported by my academic adviser and my dissertation committee chair every step of the way. Through doubts, fears, tears, and many, MANY, sleepless nights trying to meet assignment deadlines, I was successful in graduating with my degree.

Stay or leave your comfort zone

Being comfortable with being uncomfortable may seem like a difficult thing to do. However, it is possible for you to do it.

We are all currently experiencing a new and different way of life due to COVID-19. At first it was difficult and stressful – for ALL of us. We have since settled into what is our new normal.

The stay-at-home order has pushed everyone into being comfortable with being uncomfortable! We have all, without a choice to opt-in or -out, been forced out of our comfort zones.

Life as we knew it has drastically changed.

Have you risen to the challenge to step out of your comfort zone? What has been the result? After your experience what are your thoughts going forward? Are you open to more new challenges now that you know you can handle the fear you felt at first? Now that you are being comfortable with being uncomfortable (your new comfort zone), are you more willing to stay or leave your comfort zone?