We love the idea of growth. We talk about becoming better versions of ourselves, chasing success, and reaching new milestones. But what we don’t always talk about is this: growth doesn’t feel good while it’s happening.

In fact, it often feels uncomfortable.

Think about the first time you tried something new—your first client call, your first training session, your first big pitch. Chances are, you felt nervous, unprepared, maybe even like you didn’t belong. That discomfort wasn’t a sign that you were failing—it was a sign that you were growing.

As a freelancer, I’ve sent proposals that stretched me out of my comfort zone. I’ve said “yes” to projects that scared me because they demanded skills I wasn’t sure I had. In those moments, I questioned myself: What if I mess this up? What if I’m not ready? But looking back, those were the very experiences that expanded my skills and confidence.

Growth feels uncomfortable because it asks us to step into the unknown. It demands we let go of the familiar and risk mistakes. And mistakes—though uncomfortable—are the raw material of learning.

I’ve come to realize: if everything feels safe, easy, and certain, then I’m probably not growing.

 Why Discomfort is a Sign of Growth

1. It means you’re stretching. Muscles only get stronger when they’re challenged. The same is true for resilience and skill.

2. It forces you to learn. When things don’t come easily, you discover new tools, strategies, and ways of thinking.

3. It builds confidence. Every time you face discomfort and get through it, you prove to yourself that you’re capable of more than you imagined.

So the next time you feel uncomfortable—whether it’s trying something new, taking on a challenging project, or stepping into unfamiliar territory—remember this: discomfort is not a warning sign to stop. It’s a signal that you’re growing.

Growth rarely feels good in the moment. But the strength, wisdom, and resilience it leaves behind are worth every step outside your comfort zone.