Key Takeaways
- Try new things, even if they make you uncomfortable, to help yourself grow and learn.
- Make a list of things that make you uncomfortable and slowly tackle them one by one.
- Once you get more comfortable with being a little uncomfortable, you’ll find that the things that used to *seem* scary aren’t as intimidating as you thought.
Putting yourself in situations that are kind of stressful or just plain awkward can be, well, uncomfortable. So why would you intentionally do things you know will create at least some discomfort? While seeking comfort is a great way to find safety and security, avoiding *everything* that makes you uncomfortable prevents you from growing and exploring new opportunities that can make your life richer and fuller.
We all have a threshold for being uncomfortable. How high that threshold is varies from person to person. The higher your threshold, the more comfortable you are with being uncomfortable. However, there are steps you can take to make stepping outside your comfort zone easier, regardless of your natural comfort level.
The Importance of Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Being uncomfortable is good for you because we must be uncomfortable in order to grow and learn. For example, if you want to become stronger physically, you must lift weights that are heavy. If you want to improve your writing skills, you should write more often rather than sit at home all day watching Netflix.
If you always stay in your comfort zone and avoid situations where you might fail or be uncomfortable, then there is no way for you to grow as an individual.
The U.S. Navy SEALs are known for saying “get comfortable being uncomfortable” as a way to help team members grow and achieve the impossible.
Why Some People Are More Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Some people are naturally more comfortable trying new things in life; this is the opposite of what is known as behavioral inhibition. However, some people are more comfortable being uncomfortable simply because they have chosen to constantly stretch their limits.
These people are already in the habit of pushing themselves to their limits so they know what it is like to be outside of their comfort zone. These same individuals have an increased tolerance for discomfort because they have become desensitized over time. Constantly facing new difficult situations and learning from them has left them stronger than they were before.
At first, it will be hard to feel comfortable experiencing new situations, but as you gain experience and learn from your mistakes it will become easier.
Uncomfortable vs. Scared: What’s the Difference?
What is the difference between being scared and being uncomfortable? Being uncomfortable means that you are in a situation where things are unfamiliar, outside the norm, and unpredictable. In contrast, being scared implies fear or anxiety about something dangerous happening to yourself or others.
You can be uncomfortable without being scared. Being uncomfortable is a normal and healthy part of life that can’t be avoided. When faced with something new or different, most people experience some degree of discomfort at first but they usually adapt to the situation after getting used to it.
The key is knowledge and practice; gaining familiarity with any new situation. If, on the other hand, you experience intense fear or anxiety in new situations, this could be a sign of a mental health issue that needs separate attention. If your fear is intense, persistent, and interferes with your ability to function normally, talk to your doctor.
How to Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Embracing discomfort won’t be easy, but it’s necessary if you want to experience personal growth. The first step is recognizing the things that make you uncomfortable and knowing how they make you feel. This will enable you to identify what types of experiences to seek out.
Knowing the unique triggers that make you uncomfortable and facing those challenges instead of turning away from them is the best way to learn and grow.
Below are some ways to get over being uncomfortable and embrace this feeling more fully:
Challenge Yourself to Take Risks
Take risks and challenge yourself by doing uncomfortable things. Sometimes, just the experience of trying something new can give you the skills and confidence you need to get more comfortable with discomfort.
Do something you’re uncomfortable doing, even if it doesn’t result in immediate positive feedback or reward. Having the experience of “doing” builds confidence and helps build skills to deal with future problems that may arise outside of your comfort zone.
Try New Things
Try new things like a new food or new activity. Be open-minded and flexible. This broadens your horizons and exposes you to new experiences that can help you grow as a person. Instead of seeing these things as something to avoid or fear, try to open yourself up to trying new things and having new experiences.
Ask Questions and Be Curious
Explore new experiences even if they are different than what you are used to. It’s easy to fall into the same old routines and seek the same ideas and experiences. It’s comfortable, but it doesn’t challenge you to learn and grow. Be a student of the world and ask questions. By doing so, you will learn new things and be exposed to different people and backgrounds. This will make your life more fulfilling, even if it makes it uncomfortable at times.
Build Your Social Distress Tolerance
Get comfortable with discomfort in social settings. Try being more social and accepting the discomfort that comes with it. Over time, you will become a better conversationalist, learn how to interact with people in different settings and make new friends.
Take the risk of being rejected and feel the discomfort that comes with it. Taking chances helps you grow as a person. Most people will admire you because they know how much courage it took to take such action.
Get Comfortable Being Different
Embrace standing out instead of trying to be like everyone else. Doing so helps you realize that it’s okay not to fit in with the crowd and that there are other people who feel the same way as you do.
Get Comfortable With Other Opinions
Get comfortable challenging beliefs, ideas, or opinions of yourself and others. Be curious and ask questions. Doing so helps you realize that there are many different perspectives in the world, and it’s okay to have your own. Talking to people who have different ideas and experiences than you can give you a new perspective on the world.
Make a List of Five Activities
Make a list of five things that you’d really like to do that make you uncomfortable. Make a promise to yourself to slowly go through your list and complete the tasks. The trick is to tackle your list slowly and progressively. Start with the easiest item on the list, and then gradually work your way up to the thing that makes you the most uncomfortable.
How to Feel Less Vulnerable When Outside Your Comfort Zone
It’s easy to start feeling vulnerable when you’re outside your comfort zone. You might feel exposed, unprepared, and unsure of how to respond. How can you feel less vulnerable? In order to feel a little less vulnerable and a lot more comfortable, try to:
Avoid Comparisons
Stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your own personal growth. Everyone’s at a different level, and everyone grows in their own way. How can you focus your energy on yourself instead of comparing yourself to others?
Start Small When Trying Something New
The best way to start is with baby steps, such as taking one step every day towards the direction that interests you. How does this help? It works because it gradually exposes you to a new experience. How can you take baby steps instead of skipping straight ahead?
Remember You’re Not Alone
Tell yourself that other people are also outside their comfort zone, too. Everyone’s in a different situation, so remember not everyone has it easy.
Even though it might look like they do, it’s important to remember that everyone is going through their own difficulties.
How does this help? If you see someone else struggling you may realize you’re not the only person who gets nervous or uncomfortable.
Find Strategies to Ground Yourself
Practice mindfulness and meditation to stay grounded. Research has found that people who experience anxiety or depression can become better at tolerating distress through mindfulness training.
The next time you’re in an uncomfortable situation, try to remain calm and repeat a mantra that will keep your mind from spiraling out of control. For example, you might choose to say things like “I am safe, I am strong” or imagine your emotions washing away with each wave that crashes onto the shore.
Practice With a Friend
Do activities with a friend or get some practice. How can you make your list of five activities more comfortable? For some, it is as simple as doing them with a friend. Others may need practice beforehand or at least know how they work to feel more comfortable. In other words, get support or do some research.
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