Discomfort Muscle

The discomfort muscle is an imaginary muscle that is flexed when you do something that you do not want to do.

Going for a run when you don’t feel like it, taking a cold shower just after a warm one, or cooking a meal when you are inclined to just order out are examples when I flex that muscle. The specifics of what you end up doing do not actually matter. What matters is that you defy the inner voice that wants you to do what is comfortable and easy, and asks you to follow the path of least resistance.

Working on the discomfort muscle is an important part of your journey of lifelong improvement. Even if you are on a path of mastering something you are really passionate about, there will be days when things get difficult. There will be days when you face unpleasant challenges and unexpected problems, or are just stuck and don’t feel like continuing.

In those moments, a voice in your head, your so-called “comfort self,” tries to convince you to call it a day or tries to talk you into doing something else. This is when the discomfort muscle comes in and makes the decision for you to keep going. It trains your mind to do hard things.

If the discomfort muscle is strong, the discussion with the comfort self is quick and easy, almost a formality. If it’s weak, you end up procrastinating and, in the end, doing nothing.

So, how often do you train your discomfort muscle?