“Growth demands discomfort.”
Let me be transparent right from the start. I love comfort and convenience. I wouldn’t trade my air conditioned house for a hut and I would never get rid of my beloved leaf blower for a broom. I love the work they do for me and I guess I love comfort and convenience.
But then I read the above quote by James Clear (author of Atomic Habits, 10 stars!) and I’m reminded that comfort and convenience, although a great nod to our economy, also comes with a downside.
What could possibly be a downside to a cool house and not having to push a broom?
Growth.
Growth demands discomfort. It doesn’t ask for it. It doesn’t suggest it. It doesn’t wish for it. It demands it. That is a strong statement.
So, if you have ever wondered what chiropractors do for the 2 hour lunches we routinely take, here you go.
I was riding my bicycle at the lake last week during the aforementioned lunch, demanding growth from myself, pushing hard, confronting the heat of the midday sun, sweating like a dog, when I passed RedHawk golf course. And what to my wondering eyes should appear, two early 20 somethings sitting in the shade of their golf cart waiting to tee off.
Two things struck me about this. And both of them have the potential of making me sound like a cranky old man. (I do turn 60 in November, however.)
Number one, what are these dudes doing playing golf on a Wednesday in the middle of the day? Are they both CEO’s? Did they make a fortune already on Bitcoin? Were they born into privilege? Are they slackers? We shall never know, but something in that glance made me cringe.
Number two, what is it with the golf cart? These guys were young enough to walk AND carry clubs. The pro’s walk. They do have caddies though. I would have felt better if they would walk and have a caddy do the dirty work. But nope. Sitting in comfort. In the middle of the day.
I know I am making some pretty big assumptions about these lads. But let’s just say for argumentation sake that they are addicted to the twin demons of our age: comfort and convenience.
What is life like for those who consistently choose comfort and convenience? Where does it lead? The easy answer is… more comfort and convenience.
But what about challenge? What about adventure? What about work? Is growth really that important?
I say yes. And our health depends on it. We need discomfort on a regular basis. We need to thrive and to thrive we need to grow.
And growth demands discomfort.
This applies to all areas of life. Areas like health, finances, relationships, emotions, spiritual matters, to name a few.
Am I suggesting that you throw out your leaf blower and turn off your air conditioner?
Not yet.
What I am suggesting is that you make a conscious effort to be uncomfortable on a regular basis. A few times a week at least.
Here are a few suggestions to get you through:
- Don’t spend any money for a whole day.
- Turn your phone off for an entire afternoon.
- Open your windows while you drive.
- Get out of the car and go into MacDonald’s instead of driving through! (I hope this made you smile)
- Skip a meal.
- Spend time with your spouse! {also meant tongue in cheek… sort of:)}
- Walk in the heat.
- Walk in the cold.
- You get the idea.
Grow. Demand things of yourself. Get tough.
You will thank me later.
And for heaven sake, if you are under 60, walk the golf course!!
Cheers,
Ks
PS: I can’t stand kids on EBikes either!
PPS: This is the first of a two part series. The second part will really confuse you.
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay