Familiar pain or unfamiliar change? Which one do you prefer?

Recently I was listening to a podcast where they mentioned about a saying by Vietnamese monk Thích Nhất Hạnh that goes something like this...

People prefer familiar pain over unfamiliar change. 

This felt so relatable. Many of us stay in an unfulfilling job, dysfunctioning relationship, poor habits etc, not because it brings us satisfaction, but because we feel that comfort in the discomfort. 

Back in 2013, I was working in the US.  I was enjoying my routine work, but not working to my full potential. There was a great opportunity to transfer to Mexico for a major project to set up a new manufacturing plant. Something that had high visibility, impact and at the same time uncertainty and major change. Going to a new country, new culture (where language was a significant barrier) and doing something that I would otherwise not do. 

I decided to make that change and get out of my comfort zone. The outcome? I learned a new language, culture, leadership skills and many other things that have profound impact on how I approach change in life. I felt more confident and assertive and my experiences in Mexico gave me newer perspectives that I believe counted toward my self growth journey.

Growth starts with discomfort. We only think about the uncertainty of the unknown that comes with a change. We need to realize that there is freedom, on the other side of the unknown. 

Through my coaching, my clients recognized that while they identify a calling or think of doing something, the comfort of their present situation holds them back. When we peel this layer by layer, and create a plan towards their desired outcome, they are not only able to achieve what they have been putting off for a while, but also see the opportunity with a renewed sense of perspective. And that is liberating and fulfilling. 

What is one thing on your mind that you have been avoiding because of your comfort?

If you want to explore how my coaching can help you achieve this transformation, please get in touch and I will be happy to work with you on how to achieve it.