“You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort. You cannot have both.” – Brené Brown
IN a world that glorifies speed, success, and seamless progress, we often resist change. Uncertainty feels daunting, and friction – those moments of challenge, discomfort, or tension – is something we instinctively avoid. Thus, we tend to strive for and crave an effortless path in work and life, where everything flows smoothly – where everyone agrees, supports, and validates us.
But what if the real magic lies in taking life one minute at a time – embracing every bit of discomfort along the way?
When I started my career as a public relations practitioner, presentations were just part and parcel of the job. However, presenting to executives was a different challenge, especially when I was still new to the industry.
I remember standing in front of a room full of executives, about to give a presentation. My hands were clammy, my heart pounded, and my mind raced with every possible mistake I could make. I felt like I was on the brink of failure.
As I stood in front of the meeting room, I told myself: Just get through the first minute.
So I did. Gripping a pen in my right hand for reassurance, I focused on the first slide. Then the next. I ignored my nerves and pushed forward – one word, one breath at a time. By the end, I tackled every question with confidence. The fear had faded, replaced by a sense of accomplishment.
I had survived – and more importantly, I had grown.
That moment taught me something profound: Discomfort doesn’t mean failure – it signals growth.
More often than not, we view discomfort as a roadblock, but in reality, it’s a catalyst for growth.
Discomfort is proof that we’re stretching beyond our comfort zones. Think of it like resistance training: muscles strengthen through tension – and so do we. Whether in personal growth, relationships, or careers, it pushes us forward.
- At work – challenges sharpen our skills, inspire innovation, and teach us to adapt our communication.
- In relationships – difficult conversations create clarity, depth, and understanding.
- In personal growth – fear and hesitation mean we’re stepping into something new. The moments where we feel stretched, unsure, or overwhelmed shape us into stronger, more capable individuals.
When we resist friction and discomfort, we stagnate. But when we embrace it, we evolve.
Building Resilience One Minute at a Time
Big challenges often feel overwhelming. The mountain ahead looks too steep, the road too long. But what if we zoomed in – just for a minute? Instead of worrying about the final destination, we focus on the next 60 seconds.
- One minute to breathe.
- One minute to decide.
- One minute to move forward.
Small moments of effort compound into progress. Whether it’s building a skill, navigating a tough conversation, or overcoming doubt, the real transformation happens in these tiny, intentional minutes.
So, how do we embrace discomfort and grow?
As a wife, mother, daughter, and colleague, I’ve learned to navigate life one minute at a time. Here are a few lessons that have helped me embrace discomfort and evolve – and I hope they help you too:
- Reframe Discomfort as Growth:
Instead of fearing discomfort, recognise it as a sign that you’re expanding your limits. Every challenge strengthens your skills, mindset, and resilience.
A musician doesn’t master an instrument overnight. An athlete doesn’t break records in a day. A writer doesn’t craft brilliance in a single draft. Every expert, leader, or innovator has faced countless moments of friction – failed, adjusted, and tried again. Simply put, growth is built through consistency: the willingness to persist through discomfort.
- Slow Down and Focus on the Present:
When faced with an overwhelming situation, pause. Rather than fixating on the outcome, focus on the next small step – one word, one breath, one action at a time.
- Practice Self-Compassion and Embrace Your Inner Dialogue:
Growth isn’t linear, and setbacks are part of the process. Treat yourself with the same patience and encouragement you’d offer a friend navigating difficulty. More importantly, embrace your inner dialogue [1] – it is the foundation of self-belief, reinforcing and recognising your worth, abilities, and potential.
All in all, the key takeaway is that friction, challenges, and tension aren’t meant to stop us – it’s meant to refine us. By taking life one minute at a time, embracing discomfort, and showing up consistently, we unlock our true potential.
Growth is never effortless, but it is always worth it.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at Shirley.suat@gmail.com.
