Why is life so difficult? Why can’t our work be simpler? And why the need for so much drama?
I hate pain. I despise discomfort. So when I’m going through a rough time, I often look for the quickest exit from the discomfort. Maybe you do too.
In these challenging moments, I begin asking – How can I solve this problem? How can I repair the hurt? How can we minimize the damage. And, How can I do it fast?!
What painful experience are you navigating today? Have you been hurt deeply by a friend, family member, or colleague? Do you work with a poor leader? Does your dysfunctional organization seem beyond repair?
Why does it seem that we’re caught up in a never-ending saga of painful experiences?
I’ve learned that there’s one reason. Here it is…
[Tweet “Everything of value in life, requires some level of discomfort.”]
You want to succeed. To live out vision and to fulfill huge dreams. To accomplish daunting goals. I do too!
But all of these require work – lots of it. And the work brings pain.
Here’s why – if my life and work were easier, I would become more self-focused (than I already am). Pain is a reality check. Discomfort is humbling. Challenges humanize our extraordinary achievements.
And leadership has never been about comfort. It’s about serving and caring. It’s about persevering and growing. And it’s about changing.
All of these require you to leave the familiar confines of your comfort zone. And the resulting discomfort has a valuable purpose – to shape you. To change you. To grow you.
Yes – it’s the rough things that shape us.
But remember, the discomfort you are experiencing today is temporary. It won’t last forever. So embrace it. Learn from it. Grow.
The legendary Bob Hope once said:
Golf is a hard game to figure out. One day you go out and slice it and shank it, hit into all the traps and miss every green. The next day you go out and, for no reason at all, you REALLY stink.
Life is that way, too. It’s tough – then it get’s REALLY tough. Yet… [Tweet “it’s the most uncomfortable moments of life that are the best opportunities for explosive growth.”]
In my next post, I’ll share the ONE reason why most people don’t accomplish their goals. And I’ll show you one simple technique to get back on track – and STAY on track.
I can’t take away your pain today. I can’t ease the discomfort. And I can’t tell you why it happened. I wish I could. But I can step into your discomfort with you. And I will – if you’ll allow me.
I’m so excited by this article Michael, I have been writing about these very sentiments in my new book this morning. Thank you for sharing this pivotal truth. Can I quote your tweetable in my book Michael?
Of course! Thanks for connecting.
Hi Michael and friends,
Thank you for an appropriate and timely article. If there was a subject called getting through discomfort, i think i would have graduated with honors. My beautiful Rosa (my wife) and i have accepted that the discomforts of life are as real as the air we breath and are as sure to come as the sun rises every morning. We have realized that in all our discomfort God has helped and shaped us to help others even in my career as a South African Policeman.
The discomforts and pain in our lives provides us with a technology for nation building that needs to be birthed forth in this season.
God Bless.
Great perspective! Thanks for connecting!
One of the painful experiences I’m navigating through is having to make the tough choice to put my dog down. It’s been over 6 months but the pain is as real today as it was the day we put him to sleep. Through the experience, I have grown. I learned that tough choices sometimes hurts the ones we love and ourselves but are necessary to prevent future pain.
So true. I love what you’re learning!
Good stuff, David. I’ve had similar experiences. Thanks for sharing. Hope you are doing well.
I had a near fatal accident when a 2500 pound horse used my chest to rest his hoof. As a result I haven’t been able to work – but when I consider all the things that could have happened but didn’t I know God spared my life for a reason. (I would share something I wrote on this, but that would be self-promotion and I don’t do that.)
I believe God allowed these painful circumstances in this season so I could pursue a few passions that working full time hasn’t allowed. The key now is figuring out the path God wants me to follow so I don’t mess up this opportunity by frenetic activity, but no accomplishment.
I appreciate you sharing your story. And, you don’t need to worry about or apologize for “self-promotion”. You have a story that others need to hear. They need you to tell it. Even our mess can become our message. Keep sharing. Love it!
While this doesn’t tell the story of what happened, it tells the story of my future as it was given to me because “I Didn’t Get That”. http://wp.me/p29Llt-iJ
Thanks Jane. Keep telling your story.
A recent situation helped me to grow. I won’t allow others to to make their problem my issue, especially when they are passive and don’t want to handle tough situations. Solving problems and addressing tough issues aren’t comfortable but necessary, especially when you have to deal with yourself.
Why are people more comfortable with those who avoid or dance around issues than those who deal with them? Avoidance hinders progress.
Great thought – avoidance hinders progress. Thanks for connecting.
Thank you for the enlightenment. I really needed it and am looking forward to your next post. I may not get to respond often but do read them all and share them, too.
On another note, I would like an expert to discuss an article about class in response to Sherman’s comments after Seattle’s win. There is very interesting dialogue. I found this to be most interesting – http://t.foxsports.msn.com/travis-can-we-please-stop-talking-about-class-in-sports.
Thanks my friend.
I’ve been thinking on this topic a great deal. I’m at a point where I’m beginning to see that in order to make progress I’m going to have to impose more discomfort on myself. I don’t want to do it, but there’s no other way. For me, this is where faith comes in. I’ve been here before and learned that my prayers are often answered by trials. Oddly enough, joy comes from, and along with the trials. And it’s a far greater comfort than the momentary comfort that comes from avoidance.
Great insight. Love your discipline in this area.
I’m better at writing about it than I am at doing it! 🙂
I’ve been there. 😉
Thanks for the encouragement Michael! “Life is hard. Then you die”. Many days, I’m just grateful to still be on the planet. Beats the alternatives! I’m looking forward to your next article. rs
That’s funny, Rob. I thought of the same phrase while I was writing this post. Trust you are doing well.
Love this post! Walking through some difficult challenges with one of our children who is questioning God’s presence and love as a result. It’s a bit heartbreaking, but what I am learning most is letting my children learn how to seek and trust God through their own struggles and learn to grow in their own faith, not just the faith I have taught them.
I understand, Lindsey. Sometimes we all question God’s presence. I prayed for you and your family this morning.
Thanks!