Voluntary Discomfort
There is no doubt that we live in a culture that adores instant gratification. When convenience becomes a priority, discomfort becomes less important. In today’s blog post, I’ll write a bit about how voluntary discomfort can help us cultivate resilience and improve ourselves overall. I strongly believe that practicing voluntary discomfort can help us grow mentally and physically.
As humans, we want to avoid pain and look for immediate pleasure. These two principles—pain avoidance and pleasure-seeking—are totally natural. However, doing everything to align with these principles can lead to a lack of purpose and an existential crisis!
I’m not encouraging you wake up at 4:00 AM every morning to walk on glass, eat habanero chili for breakfast, and injure yourself at the gym. It’s not about self-inflicted punishment. It’s about balance, and it’s about doing it in a conscious and intentional way.
I’ve learned through experience that discomfort makes things feel more rewarding. For instance, I usually exercise in the morning. Getting my workout in during the earlier hours of the day, instead of lazing around in bed (which has its place too!), helps me feel physically and mentally refreshed. Just as exercise and healthy eating help us avoid health problems down the line, there are other facets of voluntary discomfort that can help:
Saving money today can prevent financial problems later on.
Spending a week away from social media can allow you to feel less anxious and more grateful.
Taking thorough notes will make it easier for you to prepare for a test at the end of the semester.
Wearing something that you wouldn’t ordinarily wear (e.g., a bright colour, a bold makeup look, or an unusual accessory) can help you explore new ways to express yourself visually.
Eating healthfully can help prevent chronic disease in the future.
Reading instead of watching TV can keep your brain sharp.
Taking a cold shower can make you feel more alert when studying.
Learning new skills can help you advance in your job.
Facing fears, like public speaking, can make you more confident and grow your skillset.
Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of things you can try. As you can see, there are countless ways to practice discomfort and appreciate the subtle side effects that come with making yourself uncomfortable. Take a moment to reflect on some things that you find comfortable (perhaps, excessively so!) in your life, and think about how you can put a little twist on that aspect of your life.
I’m committed to practicing voluntary discomfort in my life and constantly challenging myself to do new things that may or may not make me feel a bit uncomfortable. Acknowledging that the discomfort is temporary has been tremendously helpful, and I know that I’m growing my comfort zone little by little.
I read a quote once that said, “life is easy when you live it the hard way, and hard if you live it the easy way.” I love quotes like these, ones that inspire me to embrace discomfort regularly and embark on my own journey towards self-improvement.
Seeking discomfort can help you build a life full of strength and resilience. I want you, too, to live a life of excellence and going beyond your own expectations for yourself!