The Art of Being Uncomfortable: Leaning into Discomfort for Growth

Noel Parohinog
5 hours ago
3 min read

If there’s one thing that’s certain in leadership, it’s that discomfort is inevitable. But here’s the thing: discomfort isn’t something to be avoided. In fact, it’s something to be embraced. Why? Because discomfort is where growth happens.

In my years of working with leaders, I’ve noticed that the ones who truly excel are those who are willing to step out of their comfort zones. They’re the ones who take on challenges that scare them, who push themselves to do things they’ve never done before, and who aren’t afraid to fail. These leaders understand that growth doesn’t happen when you’re comfortable; it happens when you’re stretched, challenged, and pushed to your limits.

Leaning Into Discomfort

Leaning into discomfort is an art. It requires a shift in mindset, from seeing discomfort as something negative to seeing it as an opportunity for growth. Here’s how you can start leaning into discomfort as a leader:

Reframe Your Perspective: The first step to leaning into discomfort is to reframe how you see it. Instead of viewing discomfort as something to be feared, start seeing it as a sign that you’re growing. Discomfort means you’re stepping outside your comfort zone, and that’s where real growth happens.

Take Small Steps: You don’t have to dive headfirst into discomfort sometimes, it’s better to start small. Identify areas where you can push yourself just a little bit beyond what feels comfortable. Whether it’s taking on a new project, speaking up in a meeting, or trying a new leadership approach, these small steps will build your confidence and help you get more comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Embrace Failure: One of the biggest reasons we avoid discomfort is the fear of failure. But here’s the thing: failure is a natural part of growth. It’s through failure that we learn, adapt, and improve. Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as a learning opportunity. Remember, it’s not about being perfect, it's about making progress.

Surround Yourself with Support: Leaning into discomfort doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Surround yourself with a support system whether it’s a mentor, coach, or trusted colleagues who can encourage you, provide feedback, and help you navigate the challenges.

The Growth Zone

When you start leaning into discomfort, you’ll find yourself in what I like to call the “growth zone.” This is where the magic happens where you learn new skills, develop new strengths, and discover new possibilities. It’s where you realise that you’re capable of more than you ever thought possible.

I remember when I was 15 and was cast as the lead in a ballet production of Cinderella. There was a particularly tricky leap that I had to perform a leap that required not just physical strength, but mental courage. I was terrified of messing up. But when I reframed my fear as excitement and took the leap, I realised that I was capable of much more than I had imagined.

In leadership, the growth zone is where you’ll discover your true potential. It’s where you’ll develop the resilience, creativity, and confidence that will set you apart as a leader. But to get there, you have to be willing to lean into discomfort.

Leading Through Discomfort

Leadership isn’t about staying safe it’s about taking risks, pushing boundaries, and embracing the unknown. When you lean into discomfort, you’re not just growing as a leader, you're inspiring others to do the same.

So, the next time you find yourself facing discomfort, don’t shy away from it. Lean into it. Embrace it. And know that on the other side of that discomfort is the growth and success you’re striving for. After all, leadership is about more than just being comfortable; it's about being courageous, resilient, and willing to grow.

Until next time, Eat the Frog, Get the Worm, Be the Bird a step into being comfortable being uncomfortable.

Ally x

Ally Nitschke is a best-selling Author, an award-winning Thought Leader and Speaker. She has been working with leaders and as a Leader for over 20 years.

She is on a mission to change the way we communicate at work, to lean into those uncomfortable conversations and lead with courage.

Ally is a Keynote Speaker at conferences, delivers Transformational Programs & highly engaging workshops as well as provides Executive Coaching.