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Getting Comfortable with the Uncomfortable
Growth rarely shows up wrapped in comfort. More often, it arrives disguised as a challenge, uncertainty, or that slightly uneasy feeling we get when we step into something new. But here’s the beautiful truth: discomfort is almost always a sign that we’re stretching in the right direction.
I was reminded of this recently when my son Zach’s friend, Nacho, came to visit from Costa Rica. Imagine being a young person thousands of miles from home, surrounded by a new culture, new routines, and a language you’re still learning — not to mention our family, as we can be a lot! Every conversation asked him to be brave. Every interaction. And every simple moment required effort. And yet—he showed up with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to lean in. Our family met him at the airport and then went straight to lunch. Imagine getting off the plane and immediately having to “perform” in an uncomfortable space. I love how he embraced the uncomfortable and put himself out there to connect.
That’s what growth looks like in real time. Not perfection. Not fearlessness. Just the courage to try.
One of my favorite quotes captures this perfectly: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” — Neale Donald Walsch
When we take a step into the unfamiliar, we gain some things: perspective, resilience, confidence, empathy, new skills, or new relationships. Discomfort, when embraced, becomes one of the greatest teachers we have.
Julia from Black Hills FCU and Matt from Valley CU will be “crashing” the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in DC this year for the first time, and I’m sure they’ll find themselves in uncomfortable situations. I’m excited to see what they learn and how they grow!
So here’s my challenge to you — one I’m taking on myself as well, especially as I prepare for the GAC:
- Find spaces this year that stretch you
- Say yes to the things that feel slightly scary
- Try something that might not go perfectly the first time
Do it so you can grow.
Do it so you can lead more effectively.
Do it so you can learn something new about yourself — and about others.
Do it so you can serve your members and communities with a deeper understanding and greater impact.
If Nacho can step into a new world with courage and humility, we can all take one brave step of our own. Here’s to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable — and to all the growth waiting on the other side.
Enjoy your weekend. Cooperatively, Gerry
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