I’ve lost my magic gift of motivation for now but I refuse to give up!
I used to be the person who sprung out of bed early every morning ready to light the world on fire but lately I haven’t had my magic gift of motivation. Actually, most mornings have been a struggle to even get moving because I am so exhausted from emotional stress and honestly heartache. I never imagined I would face anything strong enough to slow me down and deplete my energy but my struggle with my dad’s health certainly has. This journey has thrown a lot of discomfort my way and forced me to dig deep into places for strength I never knew I had. But I am thankful for these hard times and willing to embrace the discomfort because I’m learning a whole new meaning to getting back up and never giving up!
“Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.”
I believe it’s human nature to crave growth but gravitate towards comfort. Stepping out of our comfort zone usually causes some form of discomfort therefore we often choose to stay in our safe zone and avoid discomfort at all cost. Our comfort zone is a good place for relaxing and reflecting but we need to stretch past our comfortable boundaries to actually begin the growth process. Discomfort can be exhausting and painful, but it can also be rewarding. People often relate comfort with happiness but comfort does not equal happiness! Too much comfort may be causing you misery because you are also craving change and growth. But remember, change and growth is not going to fall in your lap from the sky. You must make it happen and practice new paths. Start viewing your discomforts as an opportunity to grow.
Believe it or not, there was a time in my life when I hated running and working out. I mean literally despised exercising and could barely run a whole lap around a baseball field without dying. I always wanted to work out and loved the idea of it, but the discomfort always reminded me of why I hated it and eventually I would give up and quit.
Until one day I decided I was going to embrace the discomfort and pound past the pain to get myself in shape. Deciding to make the change was not the hard part. The hard part was sticking with the change and practicing. I would huff and puff and take one street at the time to complete my route. In the beginning, I ran one road and walked the next. The more I practiced the less painful the process became. Eventually, my lungs got stronger and felt less like they might collapse at any second. Then my legs started to be less and less sore after each workout. In addition to feeling less physical discomfort, I began adding distance to my workout as well. I will never forget the day, after months of practicing, that I finally made it around my whole route without walking! I couldn’t believe what I had pushed myself to accomplish. After a year of this same continuous practice, I ran 13.1 miles in the pouring rain to complete my first HALF MARATHON! The same girl who couldn’t run a lap around a baseball field made the decision to make a change, practiced and ran a half marathon! YES, I AM VERY PROUD OF THIS ACCOMPLISHMENT!
Many of my friends have asked, “Sarah, how did you learn to love running?” and my answer is always the same, “I don’t love running as much as I love the way I feel after running.”
Think about that for a minute… The process of running is uncomfortable and exhausting but the reward from the process is what I love. I crave the feeling of accomplishment more than I dislike the discomfort.
I’ve had to embrace the discomfort of exercise to satisfy my hunger for growth, oh and because I love to eat more than a small army! Either way, stepping out of my comfort zone in my search for growth took practice and an intentional effort. Sometimes our success lies in the things we are avoiding. Instead of limiting your challenges why not start challenging your limits? You may be surprised by the reward.
All of us have the desire to grow but not everyone is willing to fight through the discomfort to allow for growth. I have experienced discomfort trying to achieve personal goals and just in my every day life but your discomforts may be different from mine. You may be uncomfortable speaking in front of strangers or large crowds, speak anyway! You may struggle to wake up early in the mornings, but you would like to see the sun rise, Get Up! You may hate technology because it is unfamiliar or you’re not sure how to use it for your advantage, Give It Your Best Shot! Whatever your struggle is, don’t shy away from the discomfort it causes because you may miss out on an incredible opportunity like learning something new or a new level of accomplishment you have never experienced.
Had I shied away from running because of discomfort I would have never completed a half marathon and if I shied away from my tough situation with my dad I may have never known the incredible amount of internal strength I have and the massive amount of fight I have to keep getting back up. I cant encourage you enough to Get Up! Keep Fighting! and Embrace Discomfort! Discomfort improves performance, creativity and knowledge. EMBRACE IT!
There’s that famous saying, “If you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten.” If you want more from your life and have a hunger to grow, practice stepping out of your comfort zone. This will build your self-confidence in many areas of your life. What are you waiting for? Pain in temporary! Start embracing discomfort and allow for growth! DO IT FOR YOU!
do it for you 