It is impossible to achieve big goals without big dreams. You can only achieve big goals if you are tolerant of the discomfort. But this isn’t our natural tendency. We want to be safe and avoid failing. That’s completely understandable. It’s what’s comfortable.
But we all start to wonder about what else might be out there beyond what our experiences or knowledge have taught us. Why? Because each one of us was meant to be more. It is our nature to seek out, to innovate and to feel pulled to uncharted territories in our lives. All we have to do is take the first step. It’s not easy.
These three truths are applicable no matter where your goal-setting journey is at.
- Feeling uncomfortable is normal. Fears and doubts, as well as hating your goals, are all perfectly normal. Our brains are wired towards safety, stability, and predictability. It is normal to want to quit when you go beyond your comfort zone and set yourself a goal. These feelings may not go away but they don’t have to rule you.
- Feeling uncomfortable is normal. Setting goals can help you feel more confident. When you first begin exercising, it can feel really difficult. Sometimes it can be even painful. The more you do this, the stronger you will be and the happier you will feel. The journey changes who you are. If we want to grow, then we need to set big goals that can catalyze the process. There is no substitute for discomfort.
- The best thing about discomfort is that it can lead to breakthroughs. Everyone is different when it comes to discomfort. Perhaps you’re trying to do something new, or you’re afraid that you won’t succeed. You might feel inadequate or doubtful. No matter how uncomfortable it is, you should embrace it. Because it will set the stage for the breakthroughs that you desire. The weight of discomfort will force you to stick your nose into the grindstone and continue to work until it gives up–which it always does.
If you want your full potential to realize, you will have to go through discomfort. It is the foundation for your breakthroughs. There are no shortcuts. The more you do it the easier it will be to surrender to the tension. You can find encouragement in this. It’s encouraging to know that you can accomplish big goals, be a better person, and have the best year of your life.