Discomfort is Good for You
Our society, even with all its problems, is the wealthiest and most comfortable that it ever has been in human history. Let that sink in. We are literally at the peak of civilization, and out of the billions of people that have ever lived, WE are the ones that get to enjoy it.
Comfort and luxury are not bad things. I like my air-conditioned home and my vehicle that will transport me wherever I want to go. I like the grocery store where I can buy food from around the world 24/7. I get to choose what to eat! Most people have never had that choice. I don’t worry about surviving the winter just because it’s cold. My life is so easy that I can spend time on developing my body and mind for its own sake, not because I have to labor in a field for survival.
Being too comfortable also has its downside. We avoid inconvenience at almost any cost. We obsess over cleanliness. We’re seemingly helpless if the power goes out for more than a few hours. Emotionally, we’re told that our goal should be to be happy all the time. The mark of a good life is supposedly happiness and comfort, so negative emotions are avoided or spun into positives (“look on the bright side”). As a result, when negative events and emotions inevitably rise, we’re ill-equipped to deal with them and suppress or obsess over them, as if they aren’t a normal part of a “good” human experience. We think there is something wrong with us when we aren’t always happy, and anxiety and depression follow closely behind.
Discomfort is human. It’s just as human as being happy and comfortable. Of course, I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be happy or that happiness is bad. But a comfortable life doesn’t breed growth. It doesn’t breed satisfaction. Sure, you may feel great for a while, but you’ll eventually allow that part of you that craves meaning to slip away.
The gym has been one of the greatest teachers in my life. I’ve learned how to work toward difficult goals, overcome setbacks, and do what is necessary even when I’d rather be doing anything else. To do any of these, I’ve learned to sacrifice temporary comfort and stability for something greater in the future that’s more important.
Lean into your discomfort. You don’t need to avoid it or minimize it. Instead, sit with it and accept it. Not everything has to be fun. Allow yourself to feel discomfort without being defeated or discouraged. You’ll be better prepared for all aspects of life.
If you’re looking for a fitness trainer in the Mt Juliet/Hermitage/Nashville TN area, online fitness training, or just need some advice to get your fitness program started, contact me