Seek Discomfort

Many people have told me that the quote “Seek Discomfort“, doesn’t make any sense. Why would you want to do that?

It all started with Yes Theory. A group of friends who push themselves out of their comfort zones in order to grow and experience life.

I was inspired by their stories and adventures. From giving free hugs at the airport to helicopter bungee with Will Smith.

I wanted that kind of excitement in my life, and that meant doing the things I didn’t want to do…right? That’s what discomfort means?

Wrong.

A line from Yes Man summarizes it beautifully, “…Then you’re saying yes not because you have to, not because a covenant tells you to, but because you know in your heart that you want to.”

Seeking Discomfort means doing things you want to do but are too afraid to do.

The feeling you get right after you’ve crossed that discomfort-barrier – it’s the most exhilarating feeling.

Remember that time you saw the slip-and-slide at the waterpark and you were so excited to go on it, but when you got the top you realised it’s too high and you’re afraid to go down, and after a few minutes, or an hour, you finally muster up the courage to go down, and as soon as you get to the bottom you just want to do it over and over again?

That’s why I ‘Seek Discomfort‘. For that feeling at the very end. Knowing it will be worth it.

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“If you do not change, you can become extinct.” – Who Moved My Cheese?

I book I highly recommend is Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson.

‘Keep moving’. ‘Run the maze’. ‘Seek Discomfort’.

The point is not to get too comfortable. Life might become boring, ordinary, repetitive. You might start to question the ‘meaning of life‘.

“I now often ask myself, “Is this really a problem I need to think my way out of? Or is it possible I just need to fix my biochemistry?” I’ve wasted a lot of time journaling on “problems” when I just needed to eat breakfast sooner, do 10 push-ups, or get an extra hour of sleep. Sometimes, you think you have to figure out your life’s purpose, but you really just need some macadamia nuts and a cold shower.” – Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss

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Seeking Discomfort can lead to opportunity.

Say yes to the next adventure. Smile at someone. Ask them how are they doing. Take a cold shower. Tomorrow, instead of going right, go left. You don’t necessarily need to go shark cage diving or climb Mount Everest in your shorts to – SEEK DISCOMFORT.

It’s NOT saying YOLO (You Only Live Once)

It’s saying yes to things you want to, but are too afraid to.
It’s saying yes to something that’s bigger than you and your fears.

Seeking Discomfort has helped me – grow, meet new people, see beautiful places and have the most wonderful experiences with amazing people, receive many opportunities.

When I say opportunities, I don’t necessarily mean landing a job at an S&P 500 company. I mean to make new friends, work with wonderful brands, experience breathtaking sunsets. An opportunity to compliment someone and make their day.

I now challenge YOU to SEEK DISCOMFORT in your life.

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Photo by @earthlingsua
Tattoo done by @eyeam.lilo