Your Level of Discomfort Will Change

When my husband and I were still dating, I decided to run in a 10K event one weekend. The day before the event, my future husband decided to join me. He hadn’t been running and didn’t own running shoes. He bought new shoes and beat my time. The point of this story is not to be like Mike (Dunn), but rather to highlight what it really takes to prepare for running 10 kilometers. You don’t just wake up and run a race without some preparation—even if you're starting the day before.

My running days started very reluctantly in high school PE class. Everyone had to run around the track. All I remember about those early days was that my cheap bras from Kmart were not doing the trick, and that I hated running. Years later, I discovered jog bras and tried again. I remember getting a stitch in my side after running just a few yards. Each time I tried, my distance increased. Eventually, I could run 3.1 miles (5K), then 6.2 miles (10K), and many years later 13.1 miles (21K).

These memories came to mind today while riding my Peloton. About halfway through a tough class, the instructor shared the inspiring words, “Your level of discomfort will change.” She meant that as we work hard to produce results—whether in fitness or life—the discomfort we feel evolves. As we get stronger, our discomfort becomes a sign of progress, not a reason to stop.

That statement is true in all aspects of our lives. When we first learn how to read or learn math – new or old – or learn a new language or start a new job, we struggle. We are uncomfortable, sometimes to the point of wanting to quit. But if we push through, if we set goals and establish incremental milestones, we can cross that finish line with ease.

When a friend challenged me to join her in a local half marathon, I didn’t think it was possible. The furthest distance I had run was 10K, and it had been a while since I ran that distance. She suggested a schedule – run 3 miles twice a week, then longer distances on the weekend, stepping up the mileage every other week. My weekend mileage was 5, 7, 5, 9, 5, 11, 5, 13, and then 5 miles the week before the event. My discomfort during the actual event was zero.

When I launched my coaching business in 2023, I knew my discomfort would be high when I shared my elevator pitch at my first networking event. I’m sure I stumbled through it and had almost no confidence in my words. Today, it’s easy to share my work and what I can do for my clients. When I talk about vision and strategy and tactics, my words resonate. My confidence has grown tenfold, and my level of discomfort has changed.

If you find yourself in a situation or with a challenge that makes you uncomfortable, the first step is take that first step. Are you uncomfortable with public speaking? Attend a Toastmasters meeting. You don’t need to say a word, just attend. Are you uncomfortable or unmotivated with fitness? Take out an exercise mat and just sit for 10 minutes, then begin adding exercises and minutes over time. Are you hesitant about applying for your dream job? Figure out your gaps and take the first step in closing them; find a mentor; ask to participate in a special project related to that job.

If you’re standing at the edge of something that feels uncomfortable, don’t be discouraged. Every small step you take brings you closer to that feeling of accomplishment—and that discomfort? It will change. For the better.