Embracing Discomfort: How It Sets You Apart
In 2022, I did something that terrified me. I gave a virtual presentation on Color Theory to over 150+ graphic designers. To this day, I still can't believe I did it. At the time, I was so nervous that I over-prepared and rehearsed at least 20 times prior to the moment the camera turned on. But afterwards, I felt nothing but proud of myself, and very VERY relieved that it was over. I had done the thing that scared me the most in life, public speaking. It was a breakthrough moment, and I have gone on to give more successful talks (with more planned in the months to come).
I have found that in our quest for personal and professional growth, we often encounter moments that challenge our comfort zones. These situations make us feel like our hearts are in our stomachs while our minds reel from high levels of anxiety. However, it is in these very moments of discomfort that we have the opportunity to stand out and truly shine. Leaning into discomfort sets us apart from the crowd and paves the way for extraordinary achievements. So, given that, what exactly is the transformative power of embracing the uncomfortable and how can it propel us towards success?
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Our comfort zone is that cozy space where we feel safe, familiar, and in control. For me, it has always been behind the scenes, designing, letting my work shine on my behalf. I know how easy it is to fall into a safe routine, without any challenges or setbacks. The only problem is that growth and innovation rarely occur within these boundaries. By consciously stepping outside our comfort zone, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and experiences. I knew this when I volunteered to give the Color Theory presentation. I raised my hand knowing that it was going to be an ultra difficult and ultra scary thing for me to accomplish. But I also knew that it's in this unknown territory that we discover hidden strengths, learn valuable lessons, and unlock our full potential.
Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone
Failure is often viewed as something negative, something to be avoided at all costs. But in reality, failure is a vital part of the learning process. We have all failed and reached a personal low at some point in our lives. And some people, like me, have failed many many many times over (a subject for another post). However, getting used to failing is the key to success. When we lean into discomfort, we accept the possibility of failure and embrace it as a stepping stone toward success. Each setback becomes an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. By reframing failure as a valuable lesson, we can approach challenges with resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to try again.
Building Confidence and Resilience
Embracing discomfort nurtures our confidence and resilience. When I promised myself that I would give a presentation on Color Theory, something that terrified me, and then kept that promise, that built confidence. Every time we face a challenging situation head-on, we prove to ourselves that we are capable of more than we initially believed. As we overcome obstacles, our confidence grows, and we become more willing to take on bigger challenges. Additionally, the resilience we develop through leaning into discomfort allows us to bounce back from setbacks with renewed determination and strength.
Inspiring and Influencing Others
Leaning into discomfort not only sets us apart individually, but it also has a ripple effect on those around us. Our willingness to embrace the uncomfortable can inspire and motivate others to do the same. When we lead by example and show others that discomfort is a pathway to growth, we create a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. I hope that by giving my presentation on Color Theory, I encouraged other graphic designers to step outside their comfort zones. The more we do it the more we foster a community that thrives on challenge and collaboration.
Leaning into discomfort is not an easy task. It requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to face uncertainty. However, by embracing the uncomfortable, we set ourselves apart from the crowd and unlock our true potential. Stepping outside our comfort zones allows us to grow, innovate, and inspire others. So, let us embrace discomfort as an opportunity for growth, and watch as we transcend our limitations and achieve extraordinary things.
