Leveraging Discomfort As A Catalyst For Growth
- Brainz Magazine
- Feb 21, 2024
- 5 min read
Written by: Sarah Merron, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Do you ever find yourself longing for instant transformation, wishing for a magic wand to make your dreams come true? The actuality of growth, however, is far from a fairy tale. As an NLP Trainer and Coach, I witness this truth daily. While many of my clients achieve remarkable feats, they underpin their journeys with hard work and dedication rather than magic.
Embrace the journey, not the magic wand
Let me tell you about one of my phenomenal clients. Determined to improve his health and fitness, he set the challenge of physical transformation. Mind you, those early mornings and gruelling workouts are far from a walk in the park. Last week, he confessed, "My friends think it's easy for me as if I waved a magic wand. It's hard, I'm tired, and some days I don't want to do it." He was right. There is no wand, no shortcut. There is a potent combination of powerful tools and unwavering commitment that a "stretch-filled" coaching journey offers.
Transformation is not about miracles. It's about embracing a journey to equip you with the knowledge, courage, and practical strategies to navigate your transformative journey. Forget the magic wands; here, we embrace the sweat and the bumps along the road and celebrate the incredible power within you. Hear my words: "Understanding an idea is different from experiencing it." The real magic happens when you take that first step, not with a wand, but with heart, determination, and the right tools to support you.
Discomfort is the stepping stone to transformation
Let's face it, the comfort zone is precisely what it sounds like. A cosy, familiar, and uneventful space. Certainly, you might avoid fear, but have you ever witnessed a profound growth, exhilarating joy, or radical self-discovery bloom from this comfortable haven? I haven't. The reality is, that transformation rarely thrives in stagnation. Instead, it ignites in the fiery crucible of discomfort.
Has staying at your unfulfilling job ever landed you your dream career? Have endless complaints about a toxic relationship magically healed it? Probably not. While complaining is easy, change demands action. That action begins with a conscious choice.
Discomfort can be managed and navigated. While we naturally resist discomfort, research suggests ¹ that learning to tolerate and process it effectively can be secret to positive change. Mindfulness practices, social support, and effective communication can all play a role in managing discomfort constructively.
Discomfort also brings rewards in business teams
When we encounter something that challenges our existing beliefs or pushes us outside our comfort zone, it naturally disrupts our equilibrium. This disruptive experience can trigger reflection, critical thinking, and a search for new understanding. The resulting insights can lead to individual and collective growth.
In 1965 Bruce Tuckman presented his framework for understanding group development ² as the forming-storming-norming-performing model. He stated that for business teams to build TRUST, they have to work through the discomfort of the "storming phase", involving conflict, disagreement, and competition for leadership. Members challenge roles, norms, and goals. Tuckman's later research ³ confirmed the presence of storming, but evidence suggests it's not always inevitable or intense. For trust to be operational in our businesses, leaders may need to set storming in motion.
Of course, differences matter. People have different tolerance levels for discomfort, and what might be challenging for one person may be invigorating for another. So, it is important to consider individual needs and preferences when navigating discomfort for change.
Neuro-linguistic tools & techniques expand your perspective
NLP Techniques can offer a supportive compass in your transformative journey. The process of NLP coaching acts as a mirror reflecting belief systems, revealing the limitations that stories might impose. Through linguistic navigation, the NLP model can unveil your deepest desires, gently nudging them from the unconscious to the forefront. Powerful techniques like re- framing empower you to recognise your strength and potential, while emotional release and integration provide the launchpad for your leap.
A recent client of mine was battling the projection of needing external validation. As we untangled her protective mechanisms, two crucial truths emerged. First, her fear of vulnerability hid a desire for connection and feminine energy expression. Second, she discovered the universal truth of giving: we attract what we emit. Simply put, to receive love, we must offer it first (most importantly to ourselves), stepping out of our comfort zone with vulnerability. And while exposing our fragility might feel terrifying, the reward can be an embrace of pure, supportive love.
Quite simply, growth requires a leap of faith. Stepping outside your comfort zone might be awkward, but it's the fertile ground where transformation blossoms. Working with a coach as your guide can illuminate your inner strength, and empower you to choose the challenging and rewarding path. Remember, the softest feathers often lie beyond the most challenging climbs. Are you ready to embrace the climb and discover the wings you never knew you had?
The power of daily action
Remember, transformation isn't a one-time event; it's a journey paved with consistent action. Each day presents a choice: cling to the familiar, or step into the unknown and choose a path that aligns with your deepest desires. Remind yourself that you, not your circumstances, hold the reins of your experience.
Imagine waking up early, not with dread, but with the excitement of intentionally crafting your day. The quiet hours offer a sanctuary of focus, allowing you to tackle important tasks before the world awakens. This accomplishment sets the tone for a productive, satisfying day, boosting your confidence and motivation.
The benefits of proactive mornings go far beyond the initial productivity boost. Early risers often report improved mental clarity, increased willpower, and a strengthened sense of control. Starting your day on a positive note sets a ripple effect, influencing your interactions, decisions, and your overall satisfaction with life.
When you start with empowerment, you continue to weave mindful choices. Every decision, from what you consume (in mind and body) to whom you spend your time with, contributes to the tapestry of your experience. Coaching empowers you to make these choices consciously and deliberately, aligning them with your values and aspirations. The right coach for you can offer a partnership in personal growth, where you discover your inner strength, unlock your potential, and design a life that excites you.
Make your choices wisely
Embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth is not easy, it is rewarding. With support, you can navigate this journey with clarity and purpose, unlocking your inner strength and designing a life that aligns with your deepest desires. Remember, every choice you make shapes your future. Choose wisely, and embrace the journey of empowered transformation.
Everything is a choice. The purpose of a choice is to elevate our experience. We design ourselves to flow and grow. If we resist making the choice, the flow becomes stagnant and toxic. Choose the hard you want otherwise, life will choose for you.
Sarah Merron, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Sarah Merron is an NLP Trainer and Self-Leadership Coach who has transformed mindsets since 2008. With her extensive experience, she has trained and coached individuals from all walks of life, including business leaders, entrepreneurs, parents, athletes, and more. Sarah's expertise lies in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Hypnosis & Time Line Therapy® techniques. For 15 years, she has been helping people develop actionable self-insight and self-awareness and map their version of success. With her guidance, you can design an authentic life that truly feels like you.
Article References:
Aron, A., Aron, E. N., & Allen, V. (1998). The self-expansion model of motivation and cognition in close relationships. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 2(4), 261-276. This seminal paper outlines the self-expansion theory and explores how engaging in novel experiences and acquiring new resources can lead to personal growth and well-being.
Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384–399. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0022100
Stages of Small-Group Development Revisited, Tuckman & Jensen, 1977: https:// journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/105960117700200404
