It is one hour before my Zoom presentation begins. I feel uneasy. My heart is pounding in my chest, and my mouth is dry. It isn’t a rational thing. Not at all. As a recovering OCD perfectionist, I am fully prepared each and every time. I know my material inside out. My notes are printed out, I have a drink on hand, and lozenges in case I cough. My appearance is immaculate, and my phone is on silent. I have made sure there is literally nothing that can interrupt my presentation.

But I still feel uneasy, until the appointed time arrives. I gulp, smile and start to talk. I hear myself making small talk, putting my class at ease. Before I know it, 90 minutes has passed, and my presentation is over. The class feedback is overwhelmingly positive, so I know it was a success. And I breathe a sigh of relief.

What are your experiences with discomfort?

We all have memories of uncomfortable situations. Like learning to drive a stick shift vehicle, or taking an English exam in high school. Even reading about discomfort might trigger anxious thoughts. Seeking a promotion or a pay rise at work can feel awkward and disconcerting, especially when no-one is listening. And trying for a baby can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially when each pregnancy test produces yet another negative result.

Discomfort is actually good for us!

Research tells us when we realize the benefits of discomfort, we can be encouraged and use it to our advantage.

What scientists found, through five linked experiments, was remarkable. When people become aware discomfort is a sign of growth, they consciously and deliberately seek out growth experiences, and embrace the discomfort that comes with those experiences.

As we embrace discomfort, we step out of our comfort zones. We break personal growth barriers. We grow beyond the glass ceilings that once constrained us. And as we do this, new neural pathways are created.

Why?

Our brains are being moulded by our new experiences. We can’t stay stagnant when this happens. New experiences are good for our creativity; we become more curious and open to new possibilities. Our brains also start to produce more dopamine, the neurotransmitter that supports motivation, learning and memory, mood and movement. That is why we tend to feel energized or “in flow” in new situations.

The rewards of growth outweigh discomfort

The late Dr C (also known as Dr Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi) described this state of flow or “being in the zone” in his book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.

He found when a person is in flow, they are “usually focused, motivated, positive, energised, and aligned with the task at hand.”

When we are seeking positive change in our lives, we can be assured we will feel uncomfortable and frustrated from time to time. But we can know the rewards outweigh the temporary discomfort.

The next time you are in an uncomfortable circumstance, see it as an opportunity to help you find that optimal state of “flow.” It can be a challenge, but when you have that lightbulb moment and feel the link between discomfort and growth, you will move forward on your spiritual path with confidence.

When we face and embrace discomfort in the present, we intentionally transition from our past self into our future self and accelerate our personal growth.

I like to envision my experiences with discomfort and growth as a series of steep inclines and plateaus. The discomfort is the hard work, not unlike climbing steep mountain slopes. But the benefits quickly follow. After each challenging experience, I feel more resilient and exhilarated. I see greater possibilities and an expanded future before me as I recover and relax on the plateaus and enjoy the view!

Sometimes we can experience more than just pockets of healthy discomfort as we work through change. If you suspect you are dealing with unhealthy discomfort, seek help. As a starting point, talking with a trusted friend can help enormously. And if you need more help, find a trained counsellor, therapist or medical professional you resonate with. If you feel I can help you, message me. You may also benefit from working with a spiritual healer or a mindset coach who will help you to reframe the discomfort in a way that will help you move forward.