One of the wisest things you can do in your career and life is to embrace discomfort. Really, its just about changing/learning in order to make your life a masterpiece. Once again, a masterpiece is not a respecter of your income, fame, family, car or social network. There is a masterpiece in you, and only you can get it out.
So what does discomfort do for your masterpiece?
- It keeps your senses on fire, as it relates to new trends and new paths.
- It keeps you away from group think (a poisonous exercise).
- It reminds you that you only have a limited time to get this life right.
- It reminds you that maybe you were put here to inspire others to discover.
- It reminds you that true success doesn’t come without discomfort.
Some years ago, when I ran the halls of corporate America, I was teaching a group of associates about the idea of Creative Discomfort. In that workshop, I had the group (about 20 people) walk down and up 3 flights of stairs-backwards. It was priceless to see and absorb. Those people learned that day the cost of being in a state of discomfort. But what’s inspiring is how they got used to walking up and down backwards. It didn’t take very long for the group to realize how breakthroughs come-usually where we’re afraid/unwilling to go.
John Moore over at Brand Autopsy has a wonderful post on THE Social Media MATRIX that reinforces my thoughts on Creative Discomfort. I love his connection to The Matrix.
Michelle,
Thank you for the great insights. Your comments remind me of why it is so important for organizations to develop quality leaders. Quality leaders can speak to the unknown and inspire others to follow.
Eric,
Yes, I agree that if you’re looking for growth, you are not going to find it within your comfort zone.
Unfortunately, most people are so discomfort-adverse that they wait until the pain of their current situation becomes excruciating because only then can they be sure that it outweighs the anticipated pain of embracing a new way.
Regards,
Michelle