How to Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Self-Improvement
Personal note from: How to Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Table of Contents
- Importance
The Importance of Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable - Why It’s Easier for Some
Why Some People Are More Comfortable Being Uncomfortable - Uncomfortable vs. Scared
What’s the Difference Between Being Uncomfortable and Being Scared? - Tips for Being Uncomfortable
How to Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable - How to Feel Less Vulnerable
How to Feel Less Vulnerable When Outside Your Comfort Zone
– threshold for being uncomfortable: varies from person to person
– the higher your threshold, the more comfortable you are with being uncomfortable
– how to make stepping outside your comfort zone easier regardless of your natural comfort level
1. The Importance of Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
– we must be uncomfortable in order to grow and learn
– stay in comfort zone and avoid situations where you might fail or be uncomfortable: no way for you to grow as an individual
2. Why Some People Are More Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
– some people are naturally more comfortable trying new things in life
– the opposite of : behavioral inhibition
– some people are more comfortable being uncomfortable : have chosen to constantly stretch their limits
> habit: pushing to their limits
> have an increased tolerance for discomfort
> have become desensitized over time
> Constantly facing new difficult situations and learning from them: left them stronger than they were before
– At first, it will be hard: to feel comfortable experiencing new situations
– as you gain experience and learn from your mistakes: it will become easier.
3. What’s the Difference Between Being Uncomfortable and Being Scared?
– Being uncomfortable: things are unfamiliar, outside the norm, and unpredictable
– Being scared : fear or anxiety about something dangerous happening to yourself or others
Being uncomfortable
– can be without being scared
– a normal and healthy part of life that can’t be avoided
– when faced with something new or different
> experience some degree of discomfort at first
> then usually adapt to the situation after getting used to it
The key:
A. knowledge, and
B. practice
> gaining familiarity with any new situation
– intense fear or anxiety in new situations
> a sign of a mental health issue
> needs separate attention
4. How to Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
– embracing discomfort
> recognizing the things that make you uncomfortable and knowing how they make you feel
— enable you to identify what types of experiences to seek out
— knowing the unique triggers that make you uncomfortable
— facing those challenges instead of turning away from them
–> the best way to learn and grow
Ways to get over being uncomfortable
& embrace being uncomfortable:
– take risks and challenge yourself by doing uncomfortable things
> having the experience of “doing”
— builds confidence
— helps build skills to deal with future problems that may arise outside of your comfort zone
– try new things like a new food or new activity
> be open-minded and flexible
> broadens your horizons
> exposes you to new experiences that can be beneficial in helping you grow as a person
– explore new experiences even if they are different than what you are used to
> be a student of the world and ask questions
> learn new things
> be exposed to different people and backgrounds
–> make your life more fulfilling even if it makes it uncomfortable at times
– 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
–> 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
— 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
> it’s okay not to fit in with the crowd
> there are other people who feel the same way as you do
– get comfortable challenging beliefs, ideas, or opinions of yourself and others
> get curious and ask questions
> realize that there are many different perspectives in the world
— it’s okay to have your own
– make a list of five activities that you’d really like to do that make you uncomfortable
5. How to Feel Less Vulnerable When Outside Your Comfort Zone
– Stop comparing yourself to others
– Focus on your own personal growth
> Everyone’s at a different level and everyone grows in their own way
– Start small when trying something new
> it gradually exposes you to a new experience
– Tell yourself that other people are also outside their comfort zone too
> remember not everyone has it easy
> remember that everyone is going through their own difficulties
– Practice mindfulness and meditation to stay grounded
> try to remain calm
> repeat a mantra that will keep your mind from spiraling out of control
> e.g., say “I am safe, I am strong”
– Do activities with a friend or get some practice
> make activities more comfortable
–> doing them with a friend, or
–> practice beforehand, or
–> at least know how they work
> In other words: get support or do some research