Take the Plunge
The idea of seeking discomfort is out of the box for most. This makes sense since our primitive brain is hardwired to avoid unnecessary strain and seek pleasure.
One easy way to seek discomfort is the Polar Bear Plunge.
Growing up in East Hampton, New York, one of my favorite ways of pretending to enjoy something was the Polar Bear Plunge. Hosted in Amagansett on January 1st, it was a great opportunity to assuage a hangover and prove to others I was burly enough to tolerate 38 degree water for a New York minute.
As you’re probably aware, the [parallel] idea of taking a cold shower in the morning is touted by Guru’s for the ideal way to set an edge for a strong mindset. And there’s truth to it.
Activities like this really do help us. It’s a simple “philosophy” – if I can willingly withstand a small dose of pain, then I can have the right mindset when an unscheduled challenge comes my way later in the day.
There are tons of ways we can accomplish this. Here are some typical examples:
- An awkward person with social anxiety who exposes him/herself to social interactions becomes more comfortable being around and speaking with other people.
- A homebody person who starts traveling becomes more comfortable with different cultural customs, foods, and lifestyles.
- A sedentary person who goes to the gym more often becomes more comfortable moving their body and focusing less on their aches and pains.
- A bullied person who speaks up for him/herself becomes more confident in dealing with harassment.
Seek discomfort in small ways. Try it out.
How do you seek discomfort intentionally for personal growth?
Share your approach!