We’re all about shortcuts, right? That’s why life hacks, productivity tricks, and silver-bullet strategies dominate self-help advice. There is, however, one shortcut that works — and few people take it.
It’s not glamorous. It’s not fun. And it definitely doesn’t feel like a shortcut at the moment.
It’s called proactive discomfort — the deliberate choice to push through hard, uncomfortable, and often painful situations that make us stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
The great Muhammad Ali captured this idea perfectly when he said that he never counted sit-ups until they were painful, because that’s when they really mattered. In other words, one of the most powerful shortcuts to success may be to lean into discomfort instead of running from it.
Why Discomfort is the Gateway to Growth
When was the last time you pushed your body to the limit? It doesn’t matter if you are working out, running, or working on a challenging project. Despite being uncomfortable, the burn is a sign that you’re pushing yourself beyond your current abilities.
In business and life, the same principle applies. When you’re comfortable, you don’t grow. Instead, it comes when you embrace risk, push yourself to make bold decisions, and lean into discomfort.
As the U.S. Navy SEALs say, “You learn on day one of training to get comfortable being uncomfortable. When individuals and teams push the boundaries of their comfort zone on a regular basis, the wider that area becomes.”
What Is Proactive Discomfort?
In proactive discomfort, you intentionally step into uncomfortable circumstances — not by accident, but by choice. Rather than avoiding difficult experiences, you choose them because that’s where you grow.
It’s not about pain for the sake of pain. By facing challenges, you grow smarter, stronger, and more resilient by experiencing purposeful discomfort.
Among the examples might be;
- Volunteering to lead a high-stakes work project.
- Learning an unfamiliar skill that intimidates you.
- Speaking in public, even if your knees are shaking uncontrollably.
- Having a difficult but necessary conversation with a friend or colleague.
On the other hand, reactive discomfort occurs when you avoid growth and take on uncomfortable situations without preparation, such as losing a job you never liked but never tried to leave.
The difference is night and day. Proactive discomfort puts you in the driver’s seat. Reactive discomfort leaves you scrambling.
Why Proactive Discomfort Works
Whenever we feel uncomfortable, we are receiving a signal. It indicates that you are stretching beyond your usual capabilities. However, this stretch leads to growth.
Here are some reasons to embrace discomfort;
- Personal growth. Discomfort is a catalyst for change. As a result, you must adapt and evolve.
- Resilience. As you face challenging situations repeatedly, your ability to cope with stress and uncertainty will improve.
- Learning. According to Cornell University, you absorb more when you’re not in autopilot mode.
- Motivation and achievement. Additionally, Cornell researchers found that chasing discomfort can fuel motivation and accelerate goal attainment.
- Overcoming fear. Whenever you willingly enter an uncomfortable space, you weaken the grip of fear and anxiety.
My Journey with Proactive Discomfort
Throughout my career, I have chosen discomfort every time I made a big leap.
Starting from scratch.
When I took my first internship and junior broker job, I didn’t know a single person at the firm. Though intimidating, it enabled me to gain new skills and connections.
Leaving the safety of a salary.
Rather than stay as a salaried employee, I decided to become my own advisor and go fully commission-based. As scary as it was, it was also the one that built my resilience.
Turning down “easy money.”
As a retention bonus, I was offered $42,000 when my company was acquired. At the time, that money would’ve changed my life. Instead, I left to co-found my firm, pursuing long-term growth over short-term comfort.
Sacrificing steady income for potential.
Eventually, I quit my job to start my own wealth management company and gave up around $40,000 in recurring revenue. While it was uncomfortable, it allowed me to pursue a far more lucrative online business.
Selling my biggest business.
The boldest move came years later when I sold the financial planning practice I’d built for 16 years. During that time, the firm generated more than $400k in recurring revenue each year. It wasn’t just money; it was relationships and a career’s worth of effort. However, I had to let my online business go to fully commit to it.
All of these choices were uncomfortable. Each was accompanied by fear and uncertainty. Despite this, each helped me grow differently.
How to Practice Proactive Discomfort
On your first day, you don’t have to dive into the deep end. It’s all about making discomfort intentional, manageable, and consistent. You can do this by following these steps;
- Identify your growth zones. Make a list of what you want to improve, whether it is confidence, leadership, health, or relationships.
- Start small. Don’t be afraid to take on challenges that are out of your comfort zone. If public speaking scares you, for example, try speaking up once in a meeting before signing up for a keynote.
- Embrace the process. Instead of resisting discomfort, accept it as a sign that you’re growing.
- Pay attention to your reactions. When you’re stressed, pay attention to your body and mind. London Psychiatry Centre suggests managing these responses through awareness techniques rather than allowing them to control you.
- Get support. Discuss your goals with a mentor, coach, or friend you trust. Being held accountable can make navigating discomfort easier.
Getting Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
The more often you practice proactive discomfort, the more familiar it becomes. Once intimidating, it becomes a natural part of life. That’s the point. Your goal isn’t to eliminate discomfort, but to raise your threshold for it.
Think of it as strength training: every rep builds capacity. With time, you will no longer be intimidated by challenges that once seemed overwhelming.
Success doesn’t come from dodging pains or chasing hacks. It’s about facing discomfort head-on and making it part of your growth plan.
FAQs
Is proactive discomfort the same as stress?
Not exactly. Stress is often the result of external pressures you don’t choose, whereas proactive discomfort is a choice you make on your own. By taking on challenges that stretch you, you decide to grow.
Can proactive discomfort backfire?
Yes, if you push too hard and too fast. Gradual exposure is key — start small and build up.
How often should I practice proactive discomfort?
You can think of it as a habit. Over time, weekly challenges can compound into massive growth.
What if I fail after choosing discomfort?
Failure is part of the process. Rather than viewing it as finality, view it as feedback. It is through setbacks that you learn lessons that will lead you to success.
How do I know if it’s working?
You’ll notice growth in confidence, resilience, and skill. Looking back a few months, if you see yourself dealing with situations you once avoided, you’re on the right path.
Image Credit: ANTONI SHKRABA production; Pexels
