Discomfort is the price of admission for growth

Most people think discomfort is a sign they’re doing something wrong. That they’re off track. But what if it’s the opposite? What if discomfort is actually the signal that you’re on the right path?

If you only ever do what feels comfortable, you’ll stay exactly where you are. Stagnant. Growth, however, requires stepping into the unknown. And the unknown is uncomfortable.

Discomfort isn’t permanent. It’s a wave. It rises, peaks, and eventually subsides. The trick is learning to ride it instead of resisting it.

Whenever I’ve tried something new or done something hard—whether it was starting weight lifting, learning to sail, or stepping into a new job—I’ve learned this lesson. Every time, there was a moment where I wanted to stop. It felt too difficult, too much. But I knew that if I could just stay in it a little longer, I’d find my second wind. And that’s where the breakthroughs happen.

In business, personal growth, or any area of life where you’re pushing your edge, the discomfort you feel isn’t a wall—it’s a wave. And waves are meant to be ridden.

So next time you feel that knot in your stomach or that voice in your head saying, “This is too hard,” pause. Take a breath. Remind yourself: This is the work. This is the wave.

And if you can ride it, you’ll find yourself on the other side—stronger, freer, and closer to the life you want.

What’s one area of your life where you’re feeling discomfort right now? And how might you ride the wave instead of fighting it?