Why Being Uncomfortable Is The Key To Success

You must be comfortable being uncomfortable to become successful.

All growth comes with varying levels of discomfort. No athlete, champion, or leader ever rose to the top without making discomfort their friend.

Being Uncomfortable Forces You To Change

Discomfort sparks change. It makes you more creative, forces you to adapt, and pushes you to take steps you’d never take if you stayed in the cozy land of comfort.

When I returned to the track in 2015 as a Masters sprinter, I was way out of my comfort zone. I hadn’t competed since my junior year at West Chester University in 2005. I was rusty and slow when I stepped back on the track. But the discomfort forced me to rebuild my speed from the ground up. By 2017, I was ranked top 30 in the United States in the 100m and 200m dashes in my Masters age group.

When I started my career as a personal trainer in 2008, I was uncomfortable. I knew some things about training, but I didn’t know much about nutrition, recovery, or how to market myself. That pressure forced me to dedicate myself to the craft. I became obsessed with training, nutrition, and recovery. By 2014, I was chosen as of the top 8 trainers in the nation in the Men’s Health Next Top Trainer competition.

The Lunges of Death is the one workout that has ever truly scared me. The anxiety leading up to it was otherworldly. The first time I failed. But one month later, I came back and became the only person in history to complete it. That discomfort showed me that “impossible” is just a word.

And when I first stepped on stage as a natural bodybuilder in 2011, discomfort forced me to reimagine the physique. I got cooked at that first show. But after 12 years of grinding, I earned my pro card by winning the overall at the 2022 NGA Mr. Natural Philadelphia. I earned the title of Mr. Natural Philadelphia.

Every milestone came from leaning into the discomfort, not running from it.

Embrace the Pain

Discomfort isn’t punishment. It’s the path to progress.

Michael Jordan losing to the Pistons three straight years was uncomfortable. Muhammad Ali losing his prime boxing years for his beliefs was uncomfortable. And Peyton Manning rehabbing from neck surgery was uncomfortable.

But each man turned pain into power. They adapted. They evolved. And they won. So will you, if you stop avoiding the uncomfortable work.

Maybe it’s getting up earlier to cook your meals. Maybe it’s tackling a workout that scares you before you even get to the gym. Maybe it’s facing your weaknesses head-on. Whatever it is, greatness requires sacrifice.

The Last Rep

Discomfort made me a better athlete, trainer, and man. I became comfortable with uncomfortable.

Be willing to step into the pain, and your growth will be monumental. Step into the discomfort because it’s the only way forward.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to being weak, skinny, fat, out of shape, or unhealthy, get started with my 21-Day Fit program.

I’ll holla at you next time.
The People’s Trainer & Barber,
Fitman