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Crisis of Comfort Underway.

Seek Discomfort.

Good Day to Each of You!

Here’s a little insight into how these email newsletters come to be: I literally don’t know what I will send out until I’m inspired to do so. It is part of the reason I only do these once a month.  The inspiration and the energy meet together and produce the product; I do not want to force it.  I do have a backlog of ideas and partially written insights, but oftentimes, I will build a newsletter from start to finish and send it.  This is one of those newsletters.  

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The Modern Day Crisis of Comfort

I recently encountered the phrase that “Aging is the aggressive pursuit of comfort.” 

Wow!  I don’t know about you, but that hit me square.  

It makes total sense.  We have become disconnected from the things that actually contribute to our minds and bodies operating optimally - the challenges and realities of true survival day by day that our ancestors faced.

Comfort disconnects us from the things that keep us:

• strong,

• healthy,

• mentally in shape,

• connected to our core relationships,

• using all our calories each day,

• learning as we go,

• living with purpose and a drive to contribute to real needs

If you take away only one thing it is this: it is probably time for us all to rediscover the benefits of demanding work, adventure, and uncertainty.

What Discomfort to Seek

It seems counterintuitive.

When we think about being comfortable, we often associate it with being a positive thing. And it can be, but in moderation.

What we often don’t think about is the negative side of being comfortable. Like all things in life, comfort and discomfort requires a balance.

Comfort comes with negative side effects: physical, mental, and emotional complacency.  It robs us of the opportunity for growth, which is essential to being ageless.  Many would rather have security over happiness or certainty instead of adventure.  But does this help you live the life you really want?

By seeking discomfort, we can achieve greater health, happiness, and fulfillment while also building resilience.  

Are you avoiding any of these discomforts?

Discomfort of Conflict

Conflict fosters growth and stronger connections by encouraging resolution and understanding while enhancing emotional intelligence through communication and empathy skills.  This discomfort grows you as a leader.  

Discomfort of Exercise

Exercise boosts physical health while instilling discipline and resilience.  It boosts metal health by enhancing self-confidence and well being through endorphin release.   This discomfort extends life.

Discomfort of Diet and Fasting

Adopting a healthier diet improves physical health and energy, broadens culinary experiences, and fosters an appreciation for diverse foods and cultures.  The discomfort of fasting stimulates autophagy, a process where cells clean out damaged components. This discomfort leads to improved cellular function and longevity.

Discomfort of Adventure

Adventure pushes boundaries, promoting adaptability and resilience, enriching life with unique experiences and a deeper appreciation for its beauty.  You are most alert and feel fully engaged when you are going into the unknown.  This discomfort supports understanding of self and the world.

Discomfort of Learning Something New

Learning challenges the mind and enhances cognitive function.  This discomfort proves to you that you can do hard things and are adaptable in changing times.  This discomfort leads to personal and professional growth and increased confidence.

Discomfort of Disconnecting

Disconnecting from devices and sitting in the discomfort of our own thoughts improves mental health, fosters creativity, supports reflection, and a more balanced life.  It is okay to sit quietly by yourself.  This discomfort creates poise and self-awareness.

There are certainly other discomforts and I’d love to learn how you are embracing a discomfort to grow whether it be immersion in a foreign country to learn a new language or challenging yourself to cut the cord and read 50 books this year.  What discomfort are you choosing?  Reply to this message and let me know.

Note: This is Not About Comfort Zones

To improve our physical and mental health, our relationships, our leadership, and lead more meaningful lives we have to steer towards specific discomforts. I think this is different from getting outside of your comfort zone — being temporarily outside of your comfort zone is not the same as discomfort.  

Discomfort is a mindset shift, it has a direction and a volume to it.  

It is deliberate growth. I’m talking about actively pursuing discomfort instead of avoiding comfort.  I’m talking about being drawn toward a specific difficulty and addressing it with intention and a positive mindset.  This is how we can support our personal and professional transformations.

Speaking of discomfort . . .

I talk about going to the “gyms of life” in my book, Unleashing Unprecedented Potential, which you can learn more about here.  It is a short read and the feedback is been overwhelmingly positive. Thank you to everyone who has shared their feedback. I’d love to hear yours too!

Going to the gym isn’t about comfort.  You go to the gym to strain and work.

Why? Because you want to be stronger.  And there are many “gyms” in life: knowledge, skills, emotional, mindfulness, etc.  

Learn more in my book available in print, ebook, or on Kindle.

Learn More About My Coaching with a 30 Minute Meeting (No Obligation)

“Use the Difficulty” - Michael Caine

Love the philosophy here in relation to this month’s mindset moment . . . even the little bit at the end where he says, “avoid them if possible” because, yes, there are some difficulties that should be avoided.  Click image or here for the very short video.

Thank you for reading!  If you enjoyed this and you think someone else will, please forward this along to support their transformation. -Eric

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