“You can choose courage or you can choose comfort. You cannot have both.” 

 ~Brene’ Brown

Have you ever had a conversation that didn’t go well? A time you felt uncomfortable or uneasy? When that happens, how do you respond? Most of us seek relief – quickly.

Comfort is that wonderful feeling of ease and freedom. Seeking comfort is part of the human condition. We find shade when it’s hot, a sweater if we are cold and a place to rest when our feet hurt. What about emotional discomfort? It’s not as easy to solve.

The news, social media and conversations are brimming with blame, complaining and venting. The person venting may get some relief, but not anyone else. It takes great effort to stay out of the exciting and prolific Stinking-Thinking Its-So-Awful repartee.

Here’s an example: A Google search delivers 5,340,000,000 options for comfort, compared to discomfort with 66,100,000. It appears that comfort lapped its opponent more than 80 times. We all know that comfort feels better than discomfort. So, what’s the big deal?

Eventually when we return to ourselves, we must contend with the discomfort that is part of life. We review our goals, evaluate our progress and wonder why it’s taking so long.  How can that be? Did we overlook the in-between? That space between where we are and where we want to be? We chose our goal, now it’s time to explore HOW to get there.

How much discomfort is enough? Do we really have to go through it? Isn’t there a short cut or an app for that? Consider exploring an added dimension of discomfort; one that’s constructive, courageous and an essential discipline to achieve your goal. If you set your sites on running a marathon you can’t just comfort your way to the finish line. What you want requires goals, training and some challenges along the way.

Today’s Tip – Disciplined Choices:  Courage or Comfort                                                          

Discipline and growth go hand in hand. We get to choose our response to every situation. Courage and comfort rarely co-exist. We embrace one at the expense of the other.

First:    Decide what you want. What will it take? What type of discipline are you willing to incorporate? Once you have clarified those questions you are ready:

• Observe: shift from being the participant to being the observer. Imagine you are reviewing yourself from a higher level of being. A place of open curiosity, without judgment.
• Inquire: Is this discomfort constructive? Is it a necessary part of achieving your goal?
• Participate: Choose. Between disciplined courage or intentional comfort.