The magic that happens when you get uncomfortable

In my journey as an elite athlete, I found that some of my biggest breakthroughs came when I embraced discomfort and faced my fears head-on.

Whether training for the world stage or helping leadership teams reach new heights, the moments that push me furthest beyond what is comfortable are the ones that lead to the most significant growth.

Here are a few key lessons I’ve learned about fear, discomfort, and growth that may help you too.

Fear is a guide

Fear is a natural response to the unknown, and often a sign that you’re on the right track. When I was invited to speak in a stadium to 20,000 people I was apprehensive, the idea was both exciting and terrifying in equal measure. It didn’t take me long to accept the invitation though, I knew I needed to face the fear and embrace the opportunity if I wanted to grow as a speaker.

However, as the event drew nearer the reality of the sheer scale of the event dawned on me and there was an undercurrent of fear and anxiety. In fact, it was this very fear that drove me to polish my speaking skills, prepare meticulously, and learn strategies to engage such a massive audience. I focused on refining every aspect of my presentation, knowing that thorough preparation was my best defense against anxiety.

When the moment came, knowing that I’d left no stone unturned in my preparation, the fear disappeared and was replaced by excitement about the opportunity ahead.

Now, I’m a better speaker and no audience size intimidates me. When you feel fear, instead of shying away from it, try to reframe it as a signal for growth and opportunity. Fear shows that you’re pushing boundaries and exploring new territory. It means you’re getting closer to the person or leader you aspire to be.

Discomfort drives innovation

Creativity and problem-solving thrive outside your comfort zone. When we challenge ourselves to step into unfamiliar territory, we unlock new ways of thinking and new perspectives. Discomfort isn’t something to be avoided—it’s where innovation happens. By confronting discomfort, you allow yourself to create, innovate, and lead in ways you never thought possible.

Failure is a teacher, not a threat

Many of us hesitate to step out of our comfort zones, held back by the fear of failure. It’s this fear that keeps us stuck, avoiding risks and settling for the familiar. But the truth is, failure is one of the most valuable tools for learning and growth. Every setback or stumble is an opportunity to reflect, learn, and improve. When we embrace failure as a necessary part of the journey, we unlock the potential for real growth. The lessons learned from failure are often the most powerful ones…

At two consecutive Marathon Kayak Racing World Championships, I came second. Both times, I lost in a sprint finish. It left me questioning my training. My speed wasn’t good enough, and sticking to the same training methods clearly wasn’t working.

That failure forced my coach and I to confront our fears of change and step out of our comfort zones. We had to take a hard look at what wasn’t working and dare to try something new. Moving away from the traditional endurance training that had always defined my preparation, we shifted focus to building speed. It was a bold, uncomfortable shift that felt risky—but growth rarely happens without discomfort.

The results proved the risk was worth it. The following year, I won gold. And the speed I’d developed didn’t just help me win that race—it also paved the way for another milestone: making the Olympic team and competing in the 500m sprint.

Looking back, I realise that failure wasn’t a setback; it was the catalyst for everything that followed. And as uncomfortable as it was, it taught me that the magic happens when we dare to step out of our comfort zones.

Surround yourself with challenge and support

Growth is rarely a solo endeavour; surround yourself with people who both challenge and support you. Mentors, coaches, and colleagues who push you out of your comfort zone and hold you accountable will help you reach new heights. At the same time, their encouragement will give you the confidence to take risks and move forward when fear sets in.

I experienced this dynamic firsthand with my coach, Roland. Ahead of the Marathon Kayak Racing World Championships in 2001, he suggested I compete in both the singles and doubles events—two 22-mile races, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. I had never raced in the doubles in a marathon at the world level, let alone attempted both events on consecutive days.

It was a daunting proposition, but Roland believed in me even when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself. He challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and see what I was truly capable of. Every day in training, he was there by my side—pushing me, encouraging me, and showing me that it was possible. His unwavering support and belief helped me find the courage to take on the challenge.

The outcome exceeded anything I could have imagined. I won the singles race and, alongside my partner Helen Gilby, triumphed in the doubles too.

That experience taught me the importance of having people in your corner who don’t just cheer you on but also challenge you to grow and step out of your comfort zone. With the right people around you, even the most intimidating goals can start to feel within reach.

Expand your comfort zone

Every time you step out of your comfort zone, you develop new skills, face new challenges, and expand what feels familiar and manageable. Over time, the uncomfortable becomes comfortable, and your comfort zone grows. This constant expansion fuels high performance and continuous improvement, moving you forward to where you want to be.

One of the most important yet challenging things to get comfortable with is giving feedback and having difficult conversations. It’s also the perfect example of why getting comfortable with discomfort is essential for high-performing teams.

When we give feedback that is delivered appropriately, with compassion and in the spirit of improvement, we promote growth and development for the whole team to benefit from. The more regularly we do this, the more comfortable we get with doing it and the more growth we see.

Putting it into practice

The path to high performance and achieving your goals is rarely comfortable, but the rewards are worth it.

What is the next step that feels uncomfortable to you? Is it having a tough conversation, tackling a new project, or taking on a leadership role? Whatever it is, see it as a growth opportunity, surround yourself with people who will support and believe in you, and get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. The sky is the limit!

A coach can help you to embrace the discomfort and achieve your goals. To make progress in 2025 with reaching your goals, please contact me and we can start the discussion.