The Discipline of Discomfort

I just have to admit it. I’m a wuss.

I love being comfy. Snuggling in warm blankets, drinking warm cocoa, sleeping in, curling up with a good book and some tea, doing what I want, when I want…

I’m also spoiled. I have a brilliant family who is always jumping in to give me a hand and make my life less awkward. I deeply appreciate it, but the truth is, I’m getting soft(er) and not in a positive way. I really struggle against anything that makes me push harder or go beyond my comfort zone. “I just can’t be bothered” is becoming a catch phrase in my life.

I think it’s beginning to cost me. Experiences that I could be having are being missed because it’s too much effort. Growth I could be seeing in my life is hindered because it’s too awkward to deal with. I need to take some lessons from Paul, who says in 1 Corinthians 9:27

I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

Into this introspection, that’s been going on for a while, comes this fascinating little book, “The Flinch*” Julien Smith. A fascinating, short treatise on forcing ourselves into discomfort in order to move past personal blocks. This isn’t about hair shirts and self-flaggelation. It’s more about looking for an opportunity to lean into uncomfortable situations in order to move forward. Some of his suggestions include taking a cold shower every morning for a week, saying “hello” to people you pass in the street, or saying “yes” to any and every opportunity that comes up over a certain period of time.

In light of my own realizations regarding my discomfort with discomfort, I’m going to be taking on the challenge of doing awkward things. In fact, I’ve already begun by taking on more social engagements involving crowds of people in order to move my business forward. Sounds small, perhaps, but I normally try to avoid situations that require my mingling with groups of people I don’t know well. They are, however, extremely important for my business growth.

There are other things I’m wanting to try, too, but my current battle with a truly nasty, debilitating cold/cough is holding me at bay. While I’m waiting, however, I’m forcing myself to take a regular dose of Buckley’s. Surely that has to count for something! In fact, even their website says: “When it comes to being sick, there are two kinds of people in this world. Those who want comfort, and those who want to get better.” so I figure I’m in good hands.

And the other things I’m going to try? Well, check in on Monday, and I’ll tell you all about it!

Darlene

PS: The book is free. Go get a copy! “The Flinch*” and yes, that’s an Amazon link, but as the book’s free, it’s not really an issue!

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Who is Darlene Hull? Click here: www.darlenehull.com to find out!

* Any link with an asterisk (*) denotes an affiliate link or a source with some kind of payback for me. The advice offered in this blog is based upon the author’s own experience. The author is not engaged in rendering professional advice or services to the readers. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions in this blog are not intended to replace a consultation with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision. The author shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity that incurs any loss, damage, or injury caused directly, or indirectly from any information or suggestion in this Program. * Any link with an asterisk (*) denotes an affiliate link or a source with some kind of payback for me.