Allow for Uncomfortable Situations
Many would find it doubtful if I claimed that unpleasant situations are the key to a fulfilling life. But yes, that’s what I am finding.
I used to avoid unpleasant conversations at all costs. I still can’t sleep for days in advance if I know an unpleasant conversation is coming my way. To give you an example, when I was about to quit my job, I was so worried about what others might think of me. The personal disappointment they may feel, the resentment. It got to the point where I actually considered continuing in the job I knew I wanted to leave, just so I wouldn’t have to face that conversation. Fortunately, I did not chicken out. I decided to have my awkward exit interview and indeed there were some of those reactions: disappointment and resentment. I felt awful for a while. And then? Then I left the room and now a few months later I am in a better professional and financial situation. What’s more is that I feel empowered. I had my own back. And despite ruffling a few feathers, I feel more secure to trust my own courage.
If everything is always nice and easy, we can no longer recognise what is nice and easy. If we only look for situations that are easy, we never grow. We will not be prepared when an unpleasant situation comes along that cannot be avoided.
If we decide to face our problems and start to allow for negative feelings because we attribute meaning to this discomfort, everything changes. It may even be the key to a truly fulfilling life.
During my exit meeting, I was mostly focused on the feelings of the others, and yes, sometimes something we do or say disappoints others, and that will be uncomfortable. But what if I can feel this discomfort and also see this conversation as an opportunity to learn and grow, an opportunity to make active changes in my life while also allowing my fears rather than avoiding them. Because that is my way to grow.Looking for your own uncomfortable ways to grow? We cannot promise all conversations to be nice and easy. But we can show you better ways to deal with the discomfort in your life:
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