Back when I used the words
“marathon runner” to describe myself,
I sought the counsel of my
“marathon runner” to describe myself,
I sought the counsel of my
friend Matthew to improve my time.
Instead of giving me speed work
he told me I had to get
“comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
I wasn’t doing anything specifically wrong.
What I was doing, most notably, was
wussing out
wussing out
when running “didn’t feel good”.
Discomfort is different from pain.
Pain I can do.
Natural childbirth. Twice.
But when it comes to discomfort,
physical or emotional,
physical or emotional,
we all can be pretty weak.
I am a regular witness to clients and others
who would rather suffer in stewy silence
than have a conversation that,
if not life-changing, is surely life enhancing—
if only for the head space it clears.
I’m not even talking about thatconversation.
The Big One.
I’m talking about letting a friend know
you hate Thai food
you hate Thai food
or finally offering the
correct pronunciation for “nuclear”.
correct pronunciation for “nuclear”.
In my experience, without exception,
we’re all just one uncomfortable conversation
away from getting something we want.
we’re all just one uncomfortable conversation
away from getting something we want.
And, do you know what else?
No one on the receiving end of your discomfort
wishes you had waited longer to speak up.
No one.
Don’t be a wuss. Say it.