Why You Might Feel A Little Off

Often, staying true to yourself takes a lot more effort than abandoning your truth for the sake of ease. 

Comfort is only the illusion of having what you want. It masquerades as success. It lures you into a false sense of complacency.

Doing hard things is invaluable.

I talk about this balance a lot; of finding that sweet spot between contentment and truly enjoying where you're at, and pushing yourself, whether that's out of your comfort zone or into physical discomfort. It's important to walk this line.

Too much discomfort, and the lessons are easily lost in the chaos of struggle. They're never gone, however. You can always dig them out, along with the gold in every situation. But there's no sense in over-manufacturing discomfort for yourself and pushing too hard. 

We've already talked at length about the dangers of too much comfort. It's an endless craving, as tempting as an itch you keep scratching that never leaves you alone. One slight taste and it becomes remarkably alluring.

So.

Staying true to yourself.

Why is that difficult?

It means setting up healthy habits. Doing the right things, the things that you know are really good for you and will benefit you for years to come, but you might be resistant to. Setting boundaries, adding challenge to your life–like cold plunges, hard training, and disciplined learning–and maintaining consistent mindset processes.

These things are hard. It's far easier to plunge into immediate gratification than it is to say, "I'm going to go for a run because I know, beneath all the thoughts churning up excuses, that it's exactly what will fulfill me right now. My legs are tired, it's raining outside, but it's what my mind and body are asking for."

This takes discipline. It takes self-awareness and honesty. Both of those are emotionally uncomfortable skills to build. Both are invaluable. 

Yes, staying true to yourself is harder than sacrificing your integrity, no matter how benign or minuscule that sacrifice feels in the moment. Once a sacrifice is made, the next ones become exponentially easier to justify. Before you know it, you've walked away from what you stand for.

If you're feeling off right now, out of alignment with your purpose, or you're filled with self-doubt, I will bet you that, at some point, you made a decision and took an action that betrayed your truth.

That's nothing to get upset about. We all do it, at one time or another. This situation is more than recoverable. It's only something to notice, understand, and carry the lesson from. Take ownership of your actions, and move forward with confidence.

This world needs all of us to stand up and be our genuine selves. And this means doing the hard thing and sticking to your integrity more often than not.

You will always be able to feel where that balance is.

Keep listening to yourself. Your heart and mind know.

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If this resonated, or you’re feeling a little off these days, you will find a companion in TRM© Resilience Ranger.