The Upside of Discomfort?

Long distance runner, Dean Karnezes, recently said,

"Western culture has things a little backwards right now. We think that if we had every comfort available to us, we’d be happy. We equate comfort with happiness. And now we’re so comfortable we’re miserable. There’s no struggle in our lives. No sense of adventure. We get in a car, we get in an elevator, it all comes easy. What I’ve found is that I’m never more alive than when I’m pushing and I’m in pain, and I’m struggling for high achievement, and in that struggle I think there’s a magic."

Popular blogger, Michael Hyatt, picks this theme up and suggest three insights:

1. Comfort is overrated. It doesn’t lead to happiness. It makes us lazy — and forgetful. It often leads to self-absorption, boredom, and discontent.
2. Discomfort can be a catalyst for growth. It makes us yearn for something more. It forces us to change, stretch, and adapt.
3. Discomfort is often a sign we’re making progress. You’ve heard the expression, “no pain, no gain.” It’s true! When you push yourself to grow, you will experience discomfort.

Yes, we want to be on guard against burnout, but let's not forget the dangers of being too comfortable either.

Food for thought.

Read Michael's full article here.

Comments

[Lionfish: Richard]

Good article.

Just talking to a friend last week about the 'Keys to Success'. There are multiple teachings circulating from Anthony Robbins to Church leaders who will teach on various 5 keys to success and happiness - often based upon 'positive thinking', 'go for it' and 'you deserve it' philosophies.

It occurred to me recently that (apart from the Will of God,and things that lie outside our control) the one Key (within our control) to success is 'discipline'.

Discipline leads to successful financial outcomes, discipline leads to successful physical outcomes, discipline in relationships (eg. EQ) leads to successful outcomes.

Discipline sacrifices immediate comfort, for the sake of a delayed positive consequence.

Is it little wonder that Jesus one mandate was to make 'disciples' and that he promised an 'abundant' (not comfortable) life.

[Mark Conner]

Agree!