How Discomfort Sparks Real Growth Fast
- Details
- Written by Leo Babauta

For most of our lives, we find ways to stay in our comfort zones — we do the things we’re used to, stay with the work we know, and avoid putting ourselves in discomfort in so many ways.
There’s nothing wrong with comfort — in fact, when we’re struggling or hurt, some comfort is a beautiful thing. The thing is, comfort can be addictive. If we get comfort through food, social media, YouTube, alcohol, drugs … we want more and more of it. It becomes a place of safety that we start to feel we can’t do without.
My encouragement is to let yourself feel at least a little purposeful discomfort each day. By “purposeful discomfort,” I mean that you’re doing something purposeful that expands your life, but that gives you a little discomfort.
Examples:
- Exercise
- Daily meditation or journaling
- Starting a creative project
- Being public with your work
- Marketing yourself
- Going to social events, making friends
- Dating
- Being vulnerable
- Getting your finances or clutter in order
These are just a handful of examples, and for some people, some of these will be very comfortable. For others, those same things would be uncomfortable. We each have our comfort zones.
My encouragement is not to give yourself intense discomfort, but small amounts. And to think of the discomfort in positive ways: think of it as growth, expansion, an expression of your full self, etc.
And then take a break — you don’t have to be in discomfort all the time. With exercise, you want to train and then rest. The same is true of this kind of discomfort training.
What kinds of daily discomfort would move your life forward?
© 2025 CrystalWind.ca & Author | All Rights Reserved | No reproduction without permission | Awakening Souls Since 2008.
#CrystalWind #SpiritualJourney
Liked this article? Dive deeper into personal growth and wellness! Check out CrystalWind.ca for spiritual wisdom or explore AromaWorx.ca for natural well-being tips. Spread the positivity—share this with friends on their happiness journey!
Let’s Chat! Drop Your Thoughts Below!
Latest Articles
Dive into the Mystical World of the Crystal Wind Oracle Deck!
Get All the Enchanting Details Now!
NEW Expanded Boxed Edition!
Now with 58 Cards for Richer Wisdom!
Imagine a world of inspiration and healing, free for all—made possible by YOU!
Donate Now—Ignite the Magic at CrystalWind.ca!
Epilepsy - Finding A Cure
Your donation can make a difference!
Help us find a cure – donate now!
Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!
Follow Us!
Featured This Month
Rutilated Quartz
The Energy Buster Stone Rutilated Quartz is an illuminator for the soul, pr... Read more
A Simple Summer Solstice Ritual with Crystal…
June 20, 2016 is this year’s summer solstice, marking&n... Read more
The Hawthorn Tree - May 13 - June 9
Celtic Symbol : The Chalice Zodiac Degrees : 21º00` Taurus - 17º59 Gemini ... Read more
Deer Medicine
Deer is not only a medicine someone can carry, it is a Native American birth... Read more
Crystal Gem: Grids and Gridding
What are Crystal Gem Grids? They are tools for empowerment, for blessings, ... Read more
Litha - The Midsummer Solstice
The Litha festival is one of the lesser Sabbats of the Witches annual calend... Read more
Litha Sabbat - The Summer Solstice
Gardens are blooming, and summer is in full swing. Fire up the barbeque, turn ... Read more
Sun in Gemini
Sun in Gemini May 21 through June 20 An Overview of Sun Sign Characteristic... Read more