It's Supposed to be Uncomfortable

If I had a dollar for every time I saw a product or program that promised a quick and easy transformation, I would be rolling in the dough. We are constantly bombarded with “hacks” and “secrets” that promise total transformation with zero struggle. That’s not the way any of this works.

You know the reason why so many diets and exercise programs fail? It’s hard to do something new and different. Our brains and bodies are wired to take the path of least resistance. And when we’re trying to make new habits, it’s uncomfortable. There are things you can do that help make a lifestyle change easier, but nothing will make it completely painless. Changing your mindset may be frustrating and feel awkward, starting a new exercise routine will probably make you tired and sore, and you will be hungry if you start dieting.

So, what’s the point? Workouts are hard, healthy eating is hard, mindset work is hard, why bother? I’ll just stay the way I am and be comfortable. I get that and have those moments myself. It’s especially tempting to just stick with the status quo when you’ve tried things before and didn’t get the results you hoped for. But just consider what you consider “comfortable” may not be all that comfortable, especially in the long run. Aches, pains, negative mindset, anxiety, poor sleep, and feeling tired and rundown, that actually sounds kind of hard.

Yes, staying the same and changing your habits are both hard, but the benefits of change are far greater. That’s why we do it. We know that exercising will increase our strength and energy, a nutritious diet will help us feel better and live longer, and a positive mindset will affect every aspect of our lives. It’s keeping those things in mind, along with a healthy dose of realism, that will get us through the “hard” of changing.

Being realistic doesn’t mean being pessimistic and expecting the worst; it means expecting change to be uncomfortable. When we know ahead of time that there’s going to be hard moments, we’re less likely to be thrown off balance when they show up. Expect times of frustration or doubt, soreness or hunger, or being just plain sick of tired of showing up. You’re human. Cut yourself some slack. Expecting a little discomfort helps us stick with it for the long haul because we know this is part of the process of change.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road

How do we translate this into real everyday actions?

Mindset Shift – Expect discomfort with any new change. Embrace it as part of the process and proof of growth.

Start Small – I will always say this, because it’s always important. Small changes are hard enough; don’t set yourself up for failure by taking on too much too soon.

See Discomfort as Data

Start taking notice of what feels uncomfortable and ask why. Is it physical, mental, emotional? Maybe it’s pointing to something that needs addressing: a false belief, a routine that no longer works, or a community that isn’t supportive.

Reframe “Hard”

Instead of saying “this is hard,” try saying “this is getting me closer to my goals” or “this is a worthwhile challenge.” Self-talk is powerful. Use it to your advantage.

Use Discomfort to Build Confidence

When I am facing something hard, I often look back on a past accomplishment to remind me of my strength, determination, or grit. Every time you push through something uncomfortable, you’re proving to yourself that you can. You could even keep a list of “hard things I’ve done” to remind you how capable you are.

Practice Discomfort on Purpose

Do something every day that stretches your comfort zone. Walking a little further, getting up early to get a workout in, or holding a yoga pose longer. On occasion, I will let the water run cold at the end of the shower just to work on breathing through an uncomfortable situation. Weird, but it works for me. Practice something like this for mental strength.

Normalize Discomfort and Setbacks as Part of the Process

Things rarely go exactly according to plan. Setbacks are uncomfortable (frustrating, annoying, irritating), but they are not a reason to quit. Expect them and don’t take it as a sign of failure.

I won’t blow smoke up your skirt. Change is uncomfortable. It just is. That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. You’re stepping out of old habits and trying something new. Good for you! That’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Embrace the hard and keep showing up, one uncomfortable step at a time. Those steps will start to add up to something powerful. A stronger, healthier, more confident, and resilient YOU.

Stay well, and get uncomfortable, my friends!

Alicia