The Art of being Uncomfortable

Photo by Kevin Chen

I have spent most of my life trying to be comfortable. Over the past few years, as a student, an engineer, and someone who is always trying to build something new, I've learned that being uncomfortable isn't something to avoid. It's something I should seek out.

Why I Think It's Good to Be Uncomfortable

When I first started pushing myself into new technologies, roles, and bigger projects, I realised how quickly comfort can become a trap. I stop looking for more, and I stop wanting more from myself. Being uncomfortable forces me to face my weaknesses instead of working around them.

I believe that this is also where confidence is built. There's a moment after you've struggled through something difficult where you realise you beat it, you've adapted, you've figured it out, and you've grown. That experience is what I am after right now, making the next challenge feel a little less overwhelming.

Why I Seek It Out Personally

I've also seen how avoiding discomfort limits me. Some of the best moments in my life only happened because I said yes before I felt fully ready. Discomfort, for me, isn't just a challenge. It's a philosophy. It reminds me that improvement is a deliberate choice, and that the most rewarding opportunities often begin with uncertainty.

The more I push myself into situations that stretch my abilities, the larger my world becomes. New ideas, new people, new possibilities — all of it starts with a willingness to be uncomfortable.

It's taken the better part of 20 years for me to figure this out. Better late than never.