Getting Uncomfortable Can Lead to Mental and Physical Toughness

It does seem ironic, doesn’t it, when you strive all these years to get to a place where you can be “comfortable” and then you read a leadership book that encourages you to get out of that comfort zone because it’s good for you?

Growth is often scary. Organizational psychologist Dr. Alise Cortez says when we feel fear we ought to be paying attention because that fear is trying to tell us something. Fear is what our ancestors relied on to get our attention when a saber-toothed tiger was in the village. But perhaps many of our fears today are less threatening and more likely showing us that whatever scares us may be an opportunity for growth.

Entrepreneur, recording artist and author Jesse Itzler is known for being bold and taking risks. However, when he felt himself coasting, he decided he needed something to shake up his life. So, he hired a Navy SEAL to move into his home and train him, Rambo-style, for a month. 

“I hired him to break up my routine and shock my system. My life was drifting towards cruise control, and I wanted to get off of it,” he said. 

Itzler was committed to becoming the most physically fit he’d ever been in his life. Now, Itzler was no newcomer to pushing himself. He’s run multiple marathons and even ultramathons. But even he would say, “Are you kidding me?” when his SEAL would call for 1,000 push-ups – men’s push-ups and with good form – in 24 hours.

However, after 27 grueling days, Itzler was finding that his body would respond to whatever he asked of it, even if it meant jumping into a frozen lake. “It’s when you dig deep is when you feel most alive,” he said.

And by Day 28, he was genuinely sad that his time with the SEAL was coming to an end.

 “I learned that by constantly doing things that are hard and making myself uncomfortable, I improve my ability to handle obstacles. I get comfortable being uncomfortable – and that’s real mental toughness,” he said.
“Living With a SEAL: 31 Days Training With the Toughest Man on the Planet” is a great read for anyone who wonders what they are made of or needs some inspiration to take on a goal that seems way beyond their comfort zone. 

It’s also a fantastic book for leadership quotes, like this one captured by Itzler. “If you can see yourself doing something, you can do it. If you can’t see yourself doing something, usually you can’t achieve it.” FBN

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Disclaimer: Bonnie Stevens does not encourage anyone to jump into a frozen lake.

Bonnie Stevens is the editor of FBN. She is a career journalist and public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie.stevens@gmail.com.