In a discussion with a friend, Jillian Swogier, about key learnings on the great leader’s career journey, there was passion and excitement in her voice when she spoke of the joy of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. It means, she said, daring to try new things because you believe that there is always a better way. It means not sticking or settling with something because the alternative is a challenge. It’s being comfortable with consistently breaking perceived personal and professional boundaries to be and do more.
She shared a quote from Katie Couric that captured this, “Be fearless. Have the courage to take risks. Go where there are no guarantees. Get out of your comfort zone even if it means being uncomfortable. The road less traveled is sometimes fraught with barricades, bumps and uncharted terrain. But it is on that road where your character is truly tested. And have the courage to accept that you’re not perfect… nothing is and no one is, and that’s okay.”
The ‘why’, Swogier explained, is simple, “If you don’t search and find that comfort with the uncomfortable, you will never grow and know that of which you are truly capable.” Kristin Armstrong’s words beautifully capture Swogier’s sentiment, “I want to get more comfortable being uncomfortable. I want to get more confident being uncertain. I don’t want to shrink back just because something isn’t easy. I want to push back and make more room in the areas between I can and I can’t.”
May you get out of that comfort zone and take the road less traveled, and enjoy the excitement of pushing your limits and finding and being more than you ever dreamed you could be… and more… so much more.
Have a beautiful day and a magnificent week!!!
