– Nir Eyal podcast of similar title

– compare this character building, with today’s culture of safe rooms…

As I was walking into the supermarket, someone I knew was walking out, I had a fraction of a second to interact with them.

Normally I would just greet them with a “Hello” and maybe throw in a parting “see you soon.” This is something I’ve done a thousand times before, it’s instinctive and happens without thinking.

In this encounter, the person I bumped into was a friend who had just angrily resigned from an organization we both belong to. An uncomfortable moment if ever.

In the past, I would have tried to avoid the encounter. I could easily have pretended not to see him and just walked on into the supermarket. Uncomfortable situation avoided.

But this day was different, the podcast “Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable – Nir and Far” was queued on my phone, and I had listened to it while driving earlier in the day.

The podcast’s message must have sunk into my subconscious because this time, I chose to embrace the discomfort. Without a second thought, I tackled the elephant in the room. “Sorry to read your resignation email, but you have to do what you feel is best for you. We’ll get together soon.” His expression of discomfort changed to a smile.

I feel like I’m growing up. I could see my old habit of avoidance becoming one of facing discomfort head-on.

– Add “Do a search for “Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable” and see many discussions.