How to Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
We've all seen the articles that encourage us to leave a company where the boss is a stickler for the clock, doesn't appreciate us or gives us room to be creative. There are a myriad of reasons to become uncomfortable with a job but leaving is easier said than done.
Here's the deal. The article’s author isn't the one paying your mortgage, car lease, or buying your family groceries. Sometimes you have to be tough-minded and 'get comfortable being uncomfortable' because, sometimes, the most rewarding careers require a tremendous amount of grit and perseverance.
Look, it rarely lasts long. The average tenure is getting shorter and shorter, less than 4 years. There is a tremendous amount of churn and that means change. Your lens needs to focus on experience and long term opportunity not that your boss harps on you about being 10 mins late.
Today is Veteran's Day and in honor of Veteran Van Camp's service we should stop and take a look at the article "How to Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable (According to a Green Beret)" by Chris Dessi on Inc.com. Chris outlines the 7 ways that the toughest in the world get comfortable being uncomfortable. Here’s how I believe it applies to our multimedia world:
1. Start.
As content creators, producers, and managers we are always moving out of our comfort zone in a new position, a new team, a different city, added responsibilities, etcetera. Starting something is uncomfortable. Remind yourself that you’re here with a greater goal in mind and that you are already committed and there is no going back.
2. Don't quit.
“Either you succeed or you fail” is what stuck with me the most from this article. If you quit, you’ve already failed. So, why not give yourself a better chance? If you’ve already been given a contract, that’s a success. Now, success in the role is up to you, no matter how uncomfortable the challenge might be, don’t quit.
3. Push yourself past your comfort zone.
A challenge is something you’ve done before so it’s natural that you don’t feel comfortable with it. Chris Dessi’s advice is one that has been sounding through the ages “Fake it till you make it”. Being in front a camera, investigative reporting, managing social feeds with huge followings… All these responsibilities are challenging but once they become your responsibility you can only move forward out of your comfort zone. It’s the only way to grow.
4. Embrace "the suck."
Journalists are constantly put in uncomfortable situations. Acting naturally in front of heavy artificial lights, reporting a hurricane while in the midst, standing your ground with a producer who wants to edit or cut your story… There are a myriad of situations where we can sit and complain or celebrate the challenge. “The suck" is here to make you tougher.” Embrace the uncomfortable feeling of ‘the suck’.
5. Be around like-minded people.
TalentBlvd’s purpose is to create a supportive network of like-minded people who can share their experiences in the multimedia business. TalentBlvd seeks to advance careers by providing networking and job opportunities. It’s up to you to learn how to feel comfortable reaching out for help from your community. Everyone has something to share and learn at whichever stage of our careers.
6. Recognize your improvements.
Although it’s not sound advice to compare yourself with others, it is always a good idea to compare your past self with your current self. Track your progress and notice that situations that used to make you uncomfortable, you now excel at them. The same will happen with current situations you struggle with.
7. Rinse. Repeat.
Practice makes perfect. This is how you overcame previous struggles and this is how you will feel comfortable feeling uncomfortable, it simply takes repetition.
You can read Chris Dessi’s article here: How to Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable (According to a Green Beret). It is truly inspiring and meant for everyone to learn how to acclimate themselves to extreme situations at every level.
Dear Veteran readers, I am sincerely grateful for your service and sacrifice for our country. Let’s continue to honor our veterans year round by supporting organizations with this purpose. Below are a few for your consideration:
Founder/CEO, TalentBlvd.com
Mike McNamara has led sales and operations organizations of 1,500 associates with P&L responsibility exceeding $500M. Dedicated to giving back, Mike formed The MBAR Group in 2009 to provide career and business consulting services to underserved markets. In 2017 he launched the talent management company TalentBlvd and today he coaches a number of high profile media personalities as well as holding advisory board positions guiding multimedia and small business startups.
Buy “Your Struggle is Reel” for more Career Tips and Life Hacks from a Talent Management Guru