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Early settlers in the North had to figure out ways to stay warm. That discomfort drove innovation.
It makes me wonder about the recurring themes in my own life that have helped me get what I want.
- I feel discomfort before I go running.
- I feel discomfort before I meet a stranger.
- I feel discomfort when I wake up in the morning.
It’s our protective mindset kicking in from our hunter-gatherer days, asking: What threat or work do I need to face to feel comfortable again?
After facing the cold, something remarkable happens.
Once I push past that initial unease, the magic begins.
I find myself deeply connected:
— to the book I’m listening to while running,
— to my own thoughts, and
— to the stranger I’m engaging with.
I experience a subtle, satisfying high—not from instant gratification, but from genuine effort and engagement.
It’s the opposite of social media’s instant gratification.
Instead, I experience delayed gratification when I run, talk to strangers, or write a post like this.
It’s that feeling of discomfort that becomes fun to overcome.
As Alex Mathers says in Let Stress Strengthen You:
“Regular challenges, controlled risks, and strategic discomfort build resilience. But you needn’t feel stress doing these things. You just choose the things most avoid, and you find a way to enjoy it. It’s all in the mind, anyway. Take risks because you’re stronger than most. This will set you apart.”
Here’s to embracing discomfort and letting it transform us.
Reach out if you are going through a transition.
Thank you for reading!
Tiffany Kent
Your Friendly Wealth Engagement Guide
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This commentary offers generalized research, not personalized investment advice. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a complete description of our investment services or performance. Nothing in this commentary should be interpreted to state or imply that past results are an indication of future investment returns. All investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with an investment & tax professional before implementing any investment strategy. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.
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