Ever have a situation where you know the right thing to do, and it feels soooo uncomfortable when it comes to taking action?
You start to question whether it's even the right thing at all?
Especially when nobody else is speaking up.
Many times, we've been sold a dream that everything that's right for us should feel easy, flow-y and wonderful; the truth is, often times it's hard.
Here's a reminder: You can do hard things.
We're diving deep into why doing the 'right' thing or pursuing what's truly important to us often feels downright uncomfortable.
But here's the exciting part - understanding and embracing this discomfort can be a gamechanger.
The Comfort Zone Trap
Let's start with something profound: our minds are wired for comfort, and energy preservation.
Our minds love the familiar, even if it's not the best thing for us longer term. You might hear us say in our talks "our minds love the well trodden path", because well, they do.
This preference for the familiar is our brain's way of conserving energy, what neuroscientists call the 'default mode network.' It's all about autopilot, and while it serves a purpose, it can also hold us back sometimes, or feel different if we take a step off the path.
But here's where it gets exciting: just beyond that comfort zone is where the magic happens. It's where growth, innovation, and fulfilment reside. And yes, it might feel a bit scary, but that's okay – it means you're onto something big!
And, pssst - it's ok to be in our comfort zones sometimes too. Stepping out of it takes energy, so retreat and recharge when you need to.
Think of it this way (we bloody love an analogy at Vet Empowered): You walked through a forrest, you follow a path many others have been on before. They crushed down the plants and made a path, it is just over five miles to walk. You traverse this route every day without giving it a second thought, that's just the way you go. One day, you notice a small, overgrown side trail. It looks daunting, but intriguing. You decide to explore it. It's challenging at first and takes more energy, but soon you discover new sights, sounds, and experiences. Unexpectedly, you emerge after just three miles. This new path, while initially uncomfortable, led to growth and discoveries you'd have missed on the familiar route - and you show others another way too. Remember, the old path is still there if needed, but the magic often happens when we dare to explore new trails.
The Power of Productive Discomfort
Now, let's reframe how we think about discomfort.
When we step off that familiar path, our brains start firing off warning signals. Our nervous system is often activated in a bid to prepare us to deal with a new threat. It feels uncomfortable, and often our initial response to that is "it must be something wrong with me". We've gone our whole lives being told we aren't enough, so it makes sense this might be the first assumption; but it's wrong.
But what if we saw these signals not as stop signs, but as a sign that we're pushing comfort zones? A nudge to be a little gentler to ourselves.
Consider these scenarios:
1. Speaking up in a team meeting when you disagree with a decision
2. Setting a boundary with a client who constantly messages you after hours
3. Making a job change to align better with your values
4. Creating more time for rest and self-care, even when your to-do list is a mile long
Sure, these actions might feel uncomfortable in the moment. But imagine the long-term impact: a more fulfilling career, better work-life balance, improved mental health, and a sense of living true to yourself.
Imagine if you didn't take action on these things - you might feel a little more comfortable in the short term, but not in the long term.
That's the power of productive discomfort!
Breaking Free from the 'Always Done' Cycle
There's a saying we love at Vet Empowered: "If we always do what we've always done, we'll always get what we've always got."
But you deserve so much more than 'always got.'
If we could put one phrase in the bin, it would be "we've always done it this way!". That's a red flag if ever we've seen one.
Let's start to break the cycle.
Imagine a world where:
You leave work on time more often than not, feeling fulfiled rather than burned out
You confidently voice your ideas, driving positive change in your practice
You prioritise your wellbeing, showing up fully for your patients, yourself and your team
You boldly step towards what's important to you, and inspire others along the way too.
This world is within your reach, but it requires stepping off the well-trodden path and into new territory.
And yes, it might feel uncomfortable at first, but that discomfort is the price of admission to a more fulfilling life and career.
Your Values: The Ultimate Navigation System
So, how do we navigate this discomfort and make choices that truly serve us? The answer lies in our values. When we align our actions with our core values, even if it feels uncomfortable, we're more likely to experience long-term satisfaction and fulfillment.
In our Vet Empowered Signature Programme, we dive deep into identifying and living by your core values. Because when you're clear on what truly matters to you, decisions become easier, actions become more aligned, and that discomfort? It becomes a sign that you're on the right track.
Your Empowerment Action Plan
Ready to harness the power of productive discomfort? Here's your action plan:
Identify your core values. What's truly important to you in your life and career?
Notice your autopilot behaviours. Where are you staying in your comfort zone out of habit?
Start small. Choose one area where you can make a change that aligns with your values, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Practice self-compassion. Remember, growth isn't always easy. Be kind to yourself in the process.
Celebrate your courage. Every time you choose discomfort for growth, you're flexing your bravery muscle!
Reflect on the outcomes. Notice how taking these uncomfortable actions impacts your life and career over time.
Seek support. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth and understand your journey (*cough* come chat with us!)
Remember, discomfort doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. Often, it means you're doing something brave, something transformative, something that aligns more closely with your true self.
The Vet Empowered Signature Programme
At Vet Empowered, we're passionate about supporting you through these growth moments. Our Signature Programme is designed to be your partner in this journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Here's how we support you:
1. Values Exploration: We help you uncover and clarify your core values, providing a solid foundation for decision-making.
2. Courage Building: Through targeted exercises and support, we help you build the courage to take aligned action, even when it feels uncomfortable.
3. Mindset Shifts: Learn to reframe challenges as opportunities and see discomfort as a sign of growth.
4. Community Support: Connect with like minded veterinary professionals who are also on this journey of growth and empowerment.
5. Personalised Coaching: Get tailored guidance to help you navigate your unique challenges and opportunities.
6. Practical Tools: Gain access to a toolkit of strategies to help you manage discomfort, set boundaries, and make aligned decisions.
Your Invitation to Transformation
So, the next time you feel that twinge of discomfort when considering a change or action, we invite you to pause and ask yourself: Is this discomfort signaling danger, or is it signaling growth?
You might just find that stepping off the well trodden path leads you to exactly where you want to be. Look after yourself along the way too, stepping off the path takes up extra energy.
Remember, you are capable of incredible things. You've already done the hard work of becoming a veterinary professional – now it's time to become the most fulfilled, aligned version of yourself.
Ready to embrace the power of productive discomfort and create a career and life you truly love? We're here to support you every step of the way. Check out our Vet Empowered Signature Programme or reach out to us at hello@vetempowered.com to learn more about how we can help you harness your discomfort and turn it into your superpower.
Your path to a more empowered, fulfilling career starts now.
Are you ready to take that first uncomfortable, but incredibly rewarding step? We believe in you, and we can't wait to see you thrive
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