Embracing Discomfort: Why It’s Worth Leaning Into the Hard Stuff
Not to start to bluntly today. BUT. You know what sucks? Discomfort.
That feeling you get when you’re doing something challenging—something you know will move you closer to your goal—but instead, it makes you want to rip your hair out and quit. Walk the F away.
Discomfort is cringey and skin-crawly and messy and gross and all the things that make you want to scream.. And because of that - it’s easy to avoid. To distract yourself. To stop altogether.
But here’s what I want to say: discomfort is where the magic happens. It’s part of the process. And today, we’re going to talk about why it’s worth sitting in it—even when you’re ready to throw in the towel.
Discomfort can be Many Things
Discomfort can be many things, because it shows up in so many ways. Maybe it’s:
Writer’s block: Sitting down to create something, overthinking every word, deleting, starting over, and hating all of it.
Exercise: Setting your alarm early, laying out your gym clothes, and then… hitting snooze because getting out of bed feels impossible.
Learning a new skill: Making mistakes, getting it wrong, and feeling like you’re just bad at it.
Tough conversations: Knowing you need to bring something up with someone, but feeling so uncomfortable that you just… don’t.
No matter how it shows up, discomfort makes you want to stop. To walk away. To take a break. And honestly, that’s human. I’ve done it, too.
But today, I want to look at it differently. Instead of running from it, let’s see what happens when we lean in.
My Monday of Discomfort
Let me tell you about my Monday. I was working on a big project I’m launching next month (I’ll tell you about it soon, promise). It’s a project that requires a lot of creative thinking, and I’d set aside the day to really dive into the content.
And… nothing. I hit a wall. Actually, it felt like I hit a thousand walls. I overthought every idea, hated what I was creating, and spent way too much time doubting myself. By the end of the day, I was frustrated, exhausted, and convinced I’d wasted my time. And I wanted to run and call saying thank you for this opportunity but it’s a pass….
But I didn’t waste my time. And I didn’t call and bail…
The next day, I woke up with so much clarity, energy, and new ideas. And I know that wouldn’t have happened if I’d given up on Monday. That day of sitting in discomfort—of pushing through when nothing was working—was what set me up for a breakthrough.
The SUCKY truth: Discomfort Is Part of Growth
Here’s the thing: discomfort isn’t just part of life—it’s necessary for growth. And there’s even science to back this up.
There’s a concept called hormesis, which is basically the idea that a little bit of controlled stress can make us stronger. It’s like the saying: “Pressure makes diamonds.” Here’s a few examples of hormesis in action - all of which makes our bodies STRONGER.
1. Exercise
When you work out, your muscles experience tiny tears, and your cardiovascular system gets pushed harder than usual. It’s stressful, yes—but that’s the point. In response, your body rebuilds stronger muscles, denser bones, and a more efficient heart and lungs.
The key here is balance. Too much stress leads to injury or burnout, but the right amount builds resilience.
2. Cold Exposure
If you’ve ever done a cold plunge or taken a cold shower, you know it’s uncomfortable. But cold exposure triggers norepinephrine, a hormone that improves focus, mood, and alertness. It also activates cold shock proteins, which protect your cells and make them more resilient.
Over time, cold exposure boosts circulation, metabolism, and even your ability to handle stress.
3. Heat Exposure
On the other side of the spectrum, heat (like in a sauna) also strengthens the body. It releases heat shock proteins that repair damaged cells and improve cellular resilience. Regular sauna sessions can lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and even promote longevity.
4. Fasting
Fasting or calorie restriction is another example of hormesis. It pushes your body into survival mode, triggering processes like autophagy—a cellular cleanup system that removes damaged cells and regenerates healthier ones.
Short-term fasting can improve blood sugar stability, reduce inflammation, and strengthen resilience over time.
Why Mental Discomfort Is Just as Important
Just like physical stress makes your body stronger, mental discomfort makes your mind stronger. It teaches you to sit with frustration, push through resistance, and show up even when it’s hard.
And I get it—when you’re in it, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing. Like you’re wasting time. But you’re not. Discomfort is not wasted time. It’s not empty space. It’s the messy, necessary work of growth.
Leaning Into Discomfort
Here’s what I want to remind both you and me:
Discomfort is part of the process.
Resistance doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re trying.
The messy moments are where the real growth happens.
So, when discomfort shows up, lean into it. Let it be messy. Hear the doubts, the inner critique, the voice that tells you to quit—and move forward anyway. Because that’s where the magic happens.
Final Thoughts
Discomfort is hard. It’s frustrating. But it’s also the thing that helps you grow stronger, more resilient, and more capable than you thought you could be.
So the next time you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to quit, remind yourself: This is part of the process. Discomfort is where growth happens.
Wear your discomfort like a badge of friggin honor. Keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
You’ve got this.