Saying ‘Yes’ to Discomfort
It is a rainy day. The sky is dark and gloomy, and the clouds seem to pour out all their contents. The sound of rain hitting the ground is like a symphony playing a melancholic tune. The wind is howling, and the trees are swaying back and forth. It is a perfect day to stay indoors. But, as Marcus Aurelius said, ‘“that is not what I am made for.” And so, here I am. On the trail. Choosing to be sucked into this miserable hiking condition. But why?
As I continue to walk, the raindrops fall on my face, and the wind blows against my body, making it difficult for me to move forward. It feels like Mother Nature is testing my determination and my resilience. And in that moment, I can’t help but wonder, why am I doing this to myself? Why am I choosing to be in this uncomfortable situation? The answer lies in a decision I made long ago — to only do the things that make me better, not the things that make me comfortable.
Growing up, I was always opposed to anything that required me to step out of my comfort zone. I would avoid challenging activities and stick to what I was familiar with. But as I grew older, I realized that I wasn’t growing as a person. I was stagnant, stuck in a cycle of comfort and familiarity. I was in a prison. One that I made.
So, I made a decision. It first started with me saying yes to everything. Anything new, I would try. Sometimes, against my better judgment, I would do it. As I grew, I decided I needed some boundaries on what I said ‘yes’ to. So, I decided only to do the things that would make me better.
The first time I put this decision into action was when I decided to take up backpacking. I had always been fascinated by it, but the thought of being in the wilderness, surrounded by unknown dangers, animals, the discomfort of trying to sleep. Yet, I said yes to a trip. And on that first hike, I had this gut-wrenching feeling that I had bitten off more than I could chew. The trail was steep, and the weather was bone-chillingly cold (13 degrees F). As I finished the weekend and reflected, I knew I had made the right decision. I had pushed my limits, and in that moment, I felt a sense of accomplishment and growth.
Since then, I have been on numerous hikes in all kinds of weather conditions. Rain, snow, scorching heat, you name it, and I have hiked through it. Each time, pushing myself a little further, a little harder. And each time, I come back a stronger and better person. Hiking has taught me that growth and comfort cannot coexist. If I want to evolve, I have to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the discomfort.
But it’s not just about hiking. This decision has seeped into every aspect of my life. It has pushed me to try new things, learn new skills, take on challenges that I would have never thought possible. And it has allowed me to truly understand the phrase, “what doesn’t challenge you, doesn’t change you.”
I have taken up new hobbies, started new projects, and pursued new opportunities — all of which have pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a person. It has not been easy. There have been moments when I wanted to give up, to go back to the safety of my comfort zone. But I remind myself of that decision I made long ago and keep moving forward. Saying yes to new experiences has not only helped me grow personally but also professionally. It has opened doors to new opportunities and expanded my perspective on life.
As I continue to walk on this rainy day, I am reminded of all the other times I have chosen discomfort over comfort and how it has led to positive changes in my life. I think of all the people who choose to stay in their comfort zones, never venturing out, never growing. It is not easy to do the uncomfortable thing, to do the hard thing. It takes courage, determination, and a strong will. But that is how we get better and become the best version of ourselves.
In a world filled with distractions and easy options, we need to remind ourselves to only do the things that make us better. It may not always be the most comfortable or convenient option, but it is the only way to grow and evolve. So, on those rainy days, or any other day for that matter, choose to be uncomfortable, to do the hard thing, and to grow.
