When I say I’m embracing discomfort, I don’t mean the discomfort of painful shoes that promise comfort but leave your feet blistered (we’ve all been there), nor the sudden hot flushes that catch you off guard, or even the awful feeling of overeating – all of them really uncomfortable and not at all needed. Instead, I mean the kind of discomfort that nudges you gently (or sometimes not so gently!) beyond your usual boundaries and out of your cosy comfort zone. The kind of discomfort that pushes you and challenges you to learn

Over the last few years, especially after my cancer diagnosis, I’ve naturally gravitated toward safety and comfort.  And who can blame me? Staying safe feels good!  And we’re naturally wired to avoid discomfort.   Recently I’ve realised that being too comfortable may be starting to hold me back and making me feel a bit stuck.   My confidence needed a boost and one of the ways to do that involves stepping into the unfamiliar.   My word for this year to propel me in into discomfortable action is ‘Brave’

I’m discovering (and it’s not easy), embracing small doses of discomfort can make life more exciting and rewarding.

Why I'm Gently Nudging Myself (and Maybe You Too) Out of My Comfort Zone:

01

Small Steps Feel Huge (in a Good Way) –Doing something new, even a tiny thing, makes me feel accomplished and brave. It reminds me that I’m capable of more than I realise. 

02

It’s a good way to learn – Every challenging or not so challenging situation is a chance to learn something new.

03

It Makes Me Feel More Confident – Every time I survive something I was nervous about, I feel just a bit more confident about tackling the next challenge.

04

Fresh Ideas Come from Doing New Things – Trying new experiences always sparks creative ideas or solutions for me. 

05

It Keeps Life Moving Forward – Comfort feels amazing, but too much of it makes life a bit predictable and has made me feel a bit stuck recently. Adding something new to my routine keeps things fresh and exciting.

With my ambition of being brave this year, I’m trying to make a habit of regularly dipping my toe outside my cosy comfort zone—here’s what I’ve been up to:

  • Strength Training: I love running but I know that for many reasons (mostly menopause after cancer), I need to build strength. I’ve started lifting weights and attending reformer Pilates classes. Yes, it’s challenging and uncomfortable, but that feeling after finishing a tough workout? Pretty great.
  • Weekly Dance Classes: Coordination isn’t exactly my superpower, and dancing for me feels as much of a mental workout as it does a physical one. But the sense of accomplishment I get from completing a routine successfully? Completely worth the discomfort (plus I have a great teacher who makes it so much fun –  thank you Chrissie at The Freemovers!). 
  • Planning My Future Career: This one’s big, I want to get back to working more often.  I want to share my skills more broadly. It’s exciting and a bit scary, but mostly exciting! And it comes with learning a lot and experiencing things outside of my comfort zone.
  • Blogging: This is a completely new thing for me, I’m almost 6 months on from the launch, and its definitely still pushing my boundaries. I’ve never considered myself a writer and also have lots of doubts (like why would anyone be interested in what I have to say?).  I really enjoy reflecting on what is going on in my world, researching topics and then sharing my experiences.  It’s rewarding and fun.
  • Learning Club: This year I’m encouraging me and my wonderful group of friends to learn more about AI.  It’s happening, the world is changing so we may as well keep up with it and stay relevant. I’m all about how we can be more efficient and use automation to simplify life so we can do the more of the things we enjoy. Learning definitely stretches me each week.
  • Going to Events Solo: I’ve signed up for an event in a few months, it’s a work related thing and something I’d normally avoid.  I find it really uncomfortable – that first moment of entering into a group where it feels like everyone knows everyone else and you have to find a way to inject yourself into discussions – it makes me wince. But, I want to meet more work related contacts, I want to stay relevant in my field of expertise and although this brings some discomfort, I’m excited about the possibilities and connections ahead.

Easy Ways You Could Try a Little Discomfort:

  • Say Yes to Something New: A class, hobby, or even a solo coffee shop visit could spark something new or a way to learn.
  • Jot Down Your Experiences: Quickly reflecting on what you’ve learned can make discomfort less intimidating and more rewarding.  I love to journal at the end of each day and reflect on my wins.
  • Celebrate Every Win: Even the smallest achievements count. Celebrating these boosts motivation for next time.

Stepping outside your comfort zone doesn’t have to be huge or intimidating. Even small nudges can make a big difference. Who knows—your next favourite thing might be waiting just beyond your comfort zone!  I’d love to hear about how you’re embracing discomfort.