Why You Should Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

In the new blog series, I am going to reflect on conversations with high-level executives in the industry and the wisdom they shared.

Have you ever stared at your ringing phone and thought, “Nope, not today”? If so, you’re not alone. A 2024 study found that up to 25% of Gen Zs and millennials would never answer a call—no matter who’s on the other end. Even a simple phone conversation can feel uncomfortable these days.

This trend got me thinking about a recent chat I had with the VP of Product at a global corporation. She shared one of her core philosophies: coaching her team to get comfortable with discomfort. Why? Because the modern world demands it. Her insight shines a spotlight on a powerful truth: growth happens when we lean into what feels unfamiliar.

When I dug deeper, I found that three human-centric skills sit at the heart of navigating discomfort: improvisation, adaptability, and reading the room. These are often called “soft” skills, but let’s be honest—there’s nothing soft about them. Each one takes courage, self-awareness, and intentional practice, especially in our increasingly digital, screen-first workplaces.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get more comfortable with the uncomfortable, you’re in the right place. In this series, we’ll explore why these skills matter, how to build them, and how developing them can transform your professional and personal life.

Ready to dive in?
In our next post, we’ll dig into the everyday power of improvisation and adaptability—your secret weapons for thriving in a world that never stops changing.

What about you? When was the last time you leaned into discomfort and surprised yourself? Share your story in the comments below or tag me on social!