Facing Discomfort

A sales call you’re going to make in a few minutes.
A tough conversation with a teammate.
An interview you’ll be making for a podcast.
The launch of a new thing.

You’re right up at the line of no-way-back, and you’re facing the choice to go for it, or not to go for it.

Some people seem to have this ability to not be phased by discomfort. They seem strong in the face of pushback and danger. They seem to have something that lets them not be tied up in a knot like we seem to be.

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For some, that ability is actually psychopathy. Clinically and physiologically incapable of feeling any internal pushback, their ability is good for them, but not so much for others.

For a second kind, that ability is toughness. A rough childhood, a streak of success, a habit of cultivating hard-headedness. They go through every wall. Somewhat good for them, not automatically good for others.

For the third kind, they have the ability to re-shape their kindness. Not kindness as the act of avoiding discomfort for others. No. A kindness that’s bound by this conviction that, on the other side of the difficult task ahead, the people you serve will be better for it. Good for you, and good for the others.

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In the face of the scary important thing you’re about to do, remember that it’s better if you’re the one doing it. It’s better if you’re the one facing discomfort, because at least for you, is wasn’t supposed to be easy, but you did it anyway.