Why the Hardest Moments Unlock the Greatest Growth
Most of us are wired to avoid discomfort. We associate it with instability, fear, or even failure. But what if discomfort is exactly where your next level of leadership lives?
I coach high-achieving professionals, C-suite leaders, and teams to lead with confidence, presence, and authenticity. And if there’s one universal truth I’ve seen: growth doesn’t happen when things feel easy—it happens when you choose to lean in, especially when it’s hard.
Discomfort Is a Signal—Not a Stop Sign
When something feels hard—stepping into a bigger role, navigating a reinvention, or initiating a tough conversation—it’s not a cue to stop. It’s a cue to start.
✅ 45% of professionals say fear of failure holds them back from taking the next big step in their careers. (LinkedIn x Glint Workplace Confidence Report, 2022)
Discomfort is feedback. It’s insight. It’s a message that growth wants to happen.
Instead of asking: “Why is this so hard?”
Try asking: “What is this moment here to teach me?”
This mindset shift transforms resistance into opportunity. Growth is meant to be uncomfortable—because it requires evolution. But discomfort isn’t the enemy. It's evidence that something new is trying to emerge.
Resistance Reveals Where Courage Lives
I often say: resistance reveals where your courage is waiting to grow. Fear of failure. Fear of being seen. Fear of letting go of the familiar. All of these reveal the edge of your current identity. And that edge? That’s your growth zone. It’s the only place intentional transformation happens. You can’t evolve without it.
✅ 61% of employees say they’ve made a positive change at work as a result of discomfort or failure. (BetterUp Workplace Mental Health Trends Report)
Your IT Factor Is Built in the Quiet Moments
Your IT Factor—that magnetic blend of confidence, presence, authenticity, and influence—isn’t built when things are perfect. It’s built:
When you show up before you feel ready
When you practice even when no one is watching
When you lead without a script
When you speak up—even with a shaky voice
The IT Factor doesn’t just “appear.” It’s developed through consistent, courageous decisions—especially when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
4 Steps to Turn Discomfort Into Growth
1. Name the Resistance. Ask yourself: Where am I feeling the most friction right now? Is it a difficult conversation, a new role, or a personal challenge you’ve been avoiding? Naming it is the first step to reframing it.
2. Reframe the Story. Replace thoughts like “This is too hard” with “This is growing me.” Discomfort is a signal—not a sign to stop. Shifting the narrative rewires your mindset for forward movement.
3. Take One Brave Action. Progress doesn’t require a full leap—it starts with a single, courageous step. Speak up in a meeting. Ask for feedback. Set a boundary. Each small move builds momentum.
4. Reflect to Reinforce. Growth is amplified when it’s acknowledged. Journal or voice-note your insights: What did I learn from that uncomfortable moment? How did I grow? This reinforces confidence and helps you lead more intentionally.
Transformation Begins on the Inside
Whether you’re navigating change, leading a team, or reinventing your career—transformation starts with a single choice: To be brave enough to grow—right where you are.
Because discomfort isn’t a barrier. It’s a breakthrough waiting to happen.
Want to accelerate your growth with expert guidance? Explore executive coaching, group workshops or keynote experiences.
If you enjoyed this blog post, here are some other resources you might enjoy:
My book, "Dare To Own You: Taking Your Authenticity and Dreams Into Your Next Chapter": The winner of two Feathered Quill Book awards, and an Book Excellence award, and recommended by Forbes in 2022 as “a teaching memoir”.
My podcast, the "Live Your Best Life with Liz Brunner" podcast: An award-winning and internationally streamed show that highlights powerful stories of re-creation and reinvention from guests who have taken their life experiences, and used that knowledge to create their “next chapters” and live their best lives.
My work as a keynote speaker, executive coach and communication expert. You can read more about more of my services here.
Interested in Taking Yourself or Your Executive Team to the Next Level?
Brunner Communications assists high-profile individuals and organizations in sharpening and developing top level business communication, executive presence, and public speaking skills. Our passionate team provides one-on-one executive business coaching, and runs specialized business workshops. Through customized training, clients learn the necessary skills to become great communicators and build a marketable reputation.