I always tell my students it’s important to do things that make you uncomfortable.
It’s a way to test your limits, to improve yourself, to grow.
This was echoed in a blog post by publisher Michael Hyatt, who summarized it like this:
This rings true for me. I think there are three reasons why you and I should embrace discomfort, whether we deliberately choose it, or it simply happens to us.
• Comfort is overrated. It doesn’t lead to happiness. It makes us lazy—and forgetful. It often leads to self-absorption, boredom, and discontent.
• Discomfort can be a catalyst for growth. It makes us yearn for something more. It forces us to change, stretch, and adapt.
• Discomfort is often a sign we’re making progress. You’ve heard the expression, “no pain, no gain.” It’s true! When you push yourself to grow, you will experience discomfort.
And this weekend my friends and I did just that.
We participated — kinda randomly — in a charity dodgeball tournament at Kahala District Park.
None of has played dodgeball since probably the sixth grade. And when we saw the competition — it was hosted by the national champs Mix Plate Crew and some of them can throw a ball in excess of 60 miles per hour! — we were a bit shaken.
But not stirred.
We did it — competed for two straight hours with bruises and sore arms to show for it. Not only did we have a great time, the experience made us — or at least me — realize there’s nothing we shouldn’t be worried about trying.
At the very least, it could be fun.
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#TodaysGift
Dog Kimono from Inu Inu Hawaii
Days left: 3
Dog kimono or yukata from Inu Inu Hawaii (www.inuinuhawaii.com)
Price: $30 online or at pet boutiques such as Calvin & Susie in Kilohana Square
The gist: Bored of the usual dog outfits? Or your pooch is quite the fashion diva? Get a kimono (or yukata) from Honolulu-based Inu Inu Hawaii, which specializes in unique Asian-inspired apparel for dogs. They come in all sizes — in fact, you can custom order ones for larger breeds — and patterns. Imagine your Rottweiler in one of these!
Best for: Dog owners, of course!
4 Comments
Eleanor Roosevelt said it pretty well: “Do something every day that scares you.” It is the best way I know of to pack a little more livin’ into each moment of life.
I haven’t played dodgeball since 8th grade, but a game of it made the adrenaline flow, even before I knew there was such a thing as adrenaline. Cat, I hope you didn’t make some big beefy guy cry, but if you did, high-5s.
Entrepreneurs live by the words, ‘aggravation breeds innovation.’ No one wants to fix the things that add comfort to their lives, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it 🙂 Used to tell my students if it aggravates you it likely aggravates everyone else as well. Be the person with the courage, vision, and insanity to do something about it. So I don’t believe in getting uncomfortable, I believe in fixing the crap that makes me feel that way. If nothing aggravates you might as well be dead.
Funny, just saw you shopping at Bed Bath and Beyond, but didn’t see the cardboard house in your cart…
Do something that makes me uncomfortable ???
Let’s see
I have a dentist appointment coming up.
Let’s go without the Novocaine.
Sounds very uncomfortable. and scary.
what else?
Listen to Justin Bieber, Menuedo, N,Sync music nonstop for a whole day.
Truly daunting. Let’s do it.
Next up. Large scale body tattoos.