Why You Need to Embrace the Suck Immediately

Before it’s too late.

In the realm of self-help, there’s a pervasive narrative that champions comfort and instant gratification as the beacons of well-being. The industry is saturated with quick fixes, promising immediate happiness and effortless change.

We must embrace discomfort, not just as a passing phase but as a lifestyle, can catalyze more profound and enduring transformation.

This idea is celebrated in the ground breaking book, The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday.

The Philosophy of Discomfort

The idea of discomfort as a pathway to growth isn’t new. Philosophers and thinkers from Seneca to Nietzsche have long extolled the virtues of hardship.

Modern research supports this, indicating that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is where learning and neuroplasticity flourish.

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that individuals who engaged in “comfort zone challenges” showed significant increases in creativity, productivity, and persistence.

The Myth of the Quick Fix

The self-help industry often peddles the notion of a quick fix. However, these solutions usually offer fleeting relief rather than lasting change.

Dr. Angela Duckworth’s work on grit demonstrates that perseverance and passion for long-term goals are key predictors of success.

It’s the sustained commitment to facing challenges, rather than avoiding them, that builds the resilience necessary for personal development.

When I hear this, the word “obsession” pops into my head. Have you ever met someone like that? Someone who is fully obsessed with something? You know that when you meet this person, there’s nothing that will get in their way. I’m reminded of the this interview with Connor McGregor.

Embrace Discomfort as a Lifestyle

Embracing discomfort means making a conscious decision to pursue challenges and accept uncertainty. It’s about cultivating a lifestyle that views discomfort as a crucible for growth.

This could manifest in various aspects of life, from physical fitness to intellectual pursuits. In fitness, for example, progressive overload is a principle that involves continuously increasing the demands on the musculoskeletal system to gain muscle and strength.

This principle underscores the need for persistent discomfort in the pursuit of physical improvement. It’s why, I’m personally obsessed with Crossfit. Each morning when I show up, I know that I will be challenged by physically and mentally.

Applying Discomfort

How do we apply this contrarian approach in our lives?

Start by setting goals that push your boundaries.

Whether it’s public speaking, learning a new language, or undertaking a difficult project, choose activities that challenge your current abilities. If you’re feeling like you’re in the midst of a difficult patch in your life, know this. You must have goals to pull yourself out of that patch.

Ask yourself, how can I improve my fitness in 6 months. Write that down. Your mind will tell you what your body already knows. If it’s eating better, joining a gym, trying boxing, jujutsu, or signing up for a 5K.

Your answers will reveal the path. Just ask …

Discomfort and Mental Health

It’s crucial to differentiate between productive discomfort and harmful stress. Discomfort aimed at growth should not come at the expense of mental health.

Balancing challenging pursuits with adequate rest and reflection is essential. Mindfulness and self-compassion are practices that can support this balance.

The Bottom Line

The conventional wisdom of self-help that preaches comfort and ease as the ultimate goals may be doing us a disservice. Instead, adopting a lifestyle that embraces discomfort can lead to more significant and sustainable personal growth.

By challenging ourselves consistently and purposefully, we open the door to a deeper level of transformation—one that the quick-fix mentality cannot offer.

As we continue to navigate a world that often prioritizes comfort over challenge, it’s worth considering the potential benefits of a contrarian approach to self-improvement.

After all, as the old adage goes, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”

Keep up the good work,

Chris