-Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable.
 
The good news is that you can succeed at almost anything you put your mind to. The not-so-good news is that it’ll be an uncomfortable process. At least some of the time. This isn’t to discourage you. It’s to prepare you.
 
To achieve a goal, dream or vision, you must do something different than you’re doing now. If this weren’t true, you would already have what you want or be well on your way.
 
We live in a society that values comfort to the extreme. Every advertising slogan and product promise is geared towards ease. If you’re frustrated with achieving what you want, you may be trying to have comfort and success simultaneously.
 
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work. Knowing that can be the tipping point of awareness that catapults you to success.
 
Let dedication override comfort.
Initially, our goals look and feel so good that it’s natural to be full of positive expectations. However, it’s a different story once we have to do something uncomfortable to move forward.

Suddenly, we can yearn for the comfort of where we’ve been over the discomfort of what lies before us. You might have to:

• Ask for help when you think it makes you look weak.
• Speak up when you’re wondering if anyone will listen or care. 
• Face shortcomings you’ve been hiding from.
• Take a back seat when you’re used to being front and center.

 
At this point, we must move from motivation to dedication. Dedication is the rock-solid decision to stick out what’s difficult for ultimate success.
Dedication isn’t restrictive; it’s liberating. It eliminates all other choices and distractions. Dedication reminds us to choose what we must do, not what we feel comfortable doing.

Ultimately, the real benefit of dedication is beyond success. It helps you become the person you must be to get what you want.  
 
All work and no rest doesn’t work either.
Although a serious commitment to doing what’s uncomfortable is necessary, it’s not a 24/7 pursuit. It’s counterproductive to drive yourself into the ground in the quest for a goal.

There’s nothing wrong with shifting to simple, routine tasks when you need a break from the major hurdles. In fact, doing so can make you feel productive and competent, boosting your enthusiasm.

Self-care strategies are essential to sustain the energy you need to succeed. Don’t forget that tending to the routine can renew your motivation to press on just as much as taking a break if you approach it with the right attitude.

True success.
Achievement is more than getting what you want. It’s enjoying the process, discomforts and all. As you focus on the person you are becoming in pursuit of your goal, dream or vision, this will become second nature.

Comfort and discomfort are two-edged swords. Too much of either isn’t optimal. Finding the right balance between both is how you make success an actual home run.

Til next week,
Jo-Aynne Von Born, Executive Coach

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Work Your Authentic Genius.
Grow and flourish using your own intelligence!

1. What goal or dream must you be more dedicated to?

2. In what ways do you need to pull back and work on smaller milestones to recharge yourself?

3. How are you growing your character by any discomfort you are enduring?