I am quite possibly the worlds biggest fan of being comfortable.
What could be better than a big comfy couch?
This post originally appeared on theBuffer blog.
I didnt want to believe this for much of my life, and I often stillrail against it now.
But more and more often, Im learning to lean into what Ive come to call the healthy uncomfortable.
In fact, feeling uncomfortable is baked right into our values.
Its not the easiest habit to cultivate, but it just might be the one with the biggest payoff.
Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to practice the healthy uncomfortable.
Here are five of them.
Thisstart before youre readyattitude isnt just for startups: Its good advice for anyone trying something new.
Thats the sign youre on the right track.
If youre not embarrassed, youre probably too late.
Give Honest, Useful Feedback
A different kind of uncomfortable lives in the idea ofgiving and receiving feedback.
We want you to know that its normal and its an expectation here.
Youre not alone and we ask that you stay open and lean into it.
This is true at all levels and in all organizations, schools, faith communities, and even families.
So not only do we have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, we have tostay that way.
For a long time, this idea seemed almost unbearable to me.
And then I sawthis imageby an incredible illustratorMariNaomi.
Talk about daring greatly!
In fact, their influence is absolutely the reason Ive been able to dare even a little bit greatly.
The world is changed by those who are willing to comfortable with discomfort.
This scarcity makes leadership valuable…. Its uncomfortable to stand up in front of strangers.
Its uncomfortable to propose an idea that might fail.
Its uncomfortable to challenge the status quo.
Its uncomfortable to resist the urge to settle.
When you identify the discomfort, youve found the place where a leader is needed.
Hed push it as far as he could go without people crossing that line of discomfort.
It was just his fundamental nature to ask, Why not?
Why cant we do it faster than this?
and then wait to see if people started screaming.
He really rallied everyone around this theory that
fast decisions, unless theyre fatal, are always better.
This is the kind of healthy uncomfortable that weve been recommitting to recently.
Buffers own Leo defined it as theinternal struggleover whether to hit publish.
Ive learned it requires real practice and reflection to stretch to that edge.
The feeling doesnt get easierbut more often than not, it might just be worth it.
I think you’re able to.
Do I proactively seek new challenges or just manage those I already have?
Do I risk being exposed and vulnerable, or act to protect my pride and patch of power?
Do I speak my mind or bite my lip, lest I ruffle feathers or subject myself to criticism?
Does this idea of the healthy uncomfortable resonate with you?
When is the last time you felt it?
How do you stretch yourself in new and exciting directions?
The Healthy Uncomfortable| Buffer
Courtney Seiterwrites, reads, pets every dog she sees and collects vintage coats.
She never goes anywhere without a book.
Top image byMangsaab(Shutterstock).
