Why being uncomfortable is necessary for personal growth

Comfort is relaxing. It feels safe, predictable and easy. It’s the space where we know what to expect and never have to question ourselves.

For almost my entire life, I thought that comfort meant stability, and if I avoided situations that scared me, I could avoid failure too. What I didn’t realize until now is that comfort was also holding me back.

Discomfort makes you afraid. When you are uncomfortable, you have trouble taking a second to relax. You notice your thoughts, how you talk to people and your habits more clearly. Being in an awkward or scary situation can easily be one of my least favorite things. It’s horrifying. I feel out of control. 

Whether it’s speaking up in class, joining a new club or putting myself in a situation where I know that I can fail, discomfort is there to prove to you that growth is possible. These situations highlight weaknesses, but they also reveal strengths that you didn’t know you had. 

Growing up, in school, at work or in personal situations, I’ve learned that avoiding awkward situations limits your personal growth. 

I believe that personal growth only happens when we are willing to be uncomfortable. When I look back on moments where I have challenged myself, whether it was taking a deep breath when my voice shook or stepping into a situation I wasn’t ready for, those experiences shaped me far more than the times I played it safe. Discomfort forces us to confront our fears, go beyond our limits, and discover abilities we didn’t know we had.

Some of my most meaningful memories came from moments that I absolutely wanted to avoid. Walking into new places, meeting new people that challenged my beliefs or taking on responsibilities I didn’t feel ready for. All of this was scary to me because I felt like my face was going to turn red, and I wasn’t going to be able to speak. Even though I truly wanted to avoid these situations, each time I came out of these situations more confident. 

Being uncomfortable is not a sign that something is wrong; it’s a sign that something about you is changing. And to be completely honest, these scary situations are necessary to come out more confident.