D.I.G. (Discomfort Is Growth): How I Found My Best Self on the Other Side of Adversity
Life has a way of throwing challenges at us when we least expect it. For the longest time, I believed that the easy way out was the right way forward. When adversity hit, I wanted to walk away. When challenges mounted, I wanted to quit. But time and time again, I learned a powerful truth: the best version of myself was waiting on the other side of the discomfort I was avoiding.
Discomfort shows up in many forms. It could be the unease of leaving a job that no longer aligns with your goals, the pain of letting go of an unhealthy relationship, or the courage it takes to have difficult conversations. Each time, I felt the urge to retreat. Yet every time I leaned into that discomfort, I grew.
The Turning Point
From the age of 13 to about 24, I can vividly recall countless moments when I chose to walk away from challenges simply because they felt uncomfortable. Whether it was a difficult conversation, an intimidating opportunity, or a situation that tested my limits, I believed that if the path was hard, it wasn’t meant for me.
As someone with ADHD, I was used to being challenged. My mind was constantly juggling ideas, distractions, and bursts of creativity, which often made everyday tasks feel like uphill battles. Yet, ironically, it was those larger, external challenges—ones that pushed me out of my comfort zone—that I avoided the most.
I thought struggle was a sign to stop—a message that I was on the wrong track. But as I grew older, I started to realize something profound: the best version of myself was always waiting on the other side of the discomfort I was avoiding.
It wasn’t easy to change this mindset. I had to unlearn the idea that ease equaled alignment. Instead, I began to see discomfort not as a barrier, but as a bridge—a way to grow into the person I was meant to be. With every difficult step I chose to take, I found strength I didn’t know I had and wisdom I didn’t know I needed. I began to understand that discomfort wasn’t my enemy—it was my greatest teacher.
Leveling Up Through Discomfort
Discomfort is like the valves of a camshaft in an engine. For the engine to fire and propel forward, the valves must open at just the right moment—at top dead center (TDC)—to create the perfect compression. It’s a precise and often challenging process, but without it, the engine stalls. Similarly, discomfort opens the valve for growth. It may feel like intense pressure at first, but that compression is exactly what’s needed to ignite the spark within you and push you forward.
At first, the process feels messy and uncertain—like an engine misfiring before it finds its rhythm. But with patience and persistence, you begin to hit your stride. Each moment of discomfort becomes a carefully timed release, building the power to move you closer to your goals. Slowly but surely, I began to see the momentum of leaning into discomfort instead of running from it.
What I’ve Learned
Discomfort is inevitable, but it’s also transformational. The key isn’t just to face it but to embrace it. Here’s what I remind myself when I’m tempted to walk away:
Discomfort is a sign you’re leveling up. It means you’re stepping into something greater than your current self. Think of it as climbing a mountain—the higher you go, the harder the climb, but the better the view.
Growth comes after the dig. Once you’ve dug deep, plant the seed. Water it with patience, courage, and self-compassion. Discomfort often brings clarity if you allow yourself to push through it.
The best version of you is waiting. On the other side of that tough conversation, that bold decision, or that challenging season lies a stronger, wiser you.
As someone with ADHD, I’ve learned that leaning into discomfort isn’t just about growth—it’s about owning my journey and embracing every part of it, challenges included.
So, the next time you face discomfort, remember: D.I.G. Walk into it, grow through it, and plant seeds for a brighter future. What discomfort are you avoiding today? Dig in—you might just surprise yourself.
The journey isn’t easy, but it’s always worth it.