Dealing with Discomfort: Building Lasting Resilience

You know that feeling when things get tough, and you just want to run the other way? Yeah, me too. But here’s the thing - discomfort isn’t the enemy. It’s actually a signpost pointing us toward growth. Building resilience isn’t about avoiding discomfort; it’s about learning how to dance with it, even when the music feels a little offbeat. Let’s explore how you can develop lasting resilience techniques that help you and your team thrive, no matter what challenges come your way.

Why Resilience Techniques Matter

Resilience is more than just bouncing back. It’s about bouncing forward - growing stronger, wiser, and more adaptable. In organizations and teams, resilience techniques can transform stress into motivation and setbacks into opportunities. When you cultivate resilience, you’re not just surviving the storm; you’re learning how to sail through it with confidence.

Think about a time when a project didn’t go as planned. Maybe deadlines slipped, or communication broke down. Instead of letting frustration take over, resilience techniques help you pause, reflect, and adjust your approach. This mindset shift can boost productivity and foster a culture where continuous learning is the norm.

Here are some key resilience techniques to keep in your toolkit:

• Mindful awareness: Notice your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Without judgment is key. Just notice. You'll be amazed what comes up.

• Positive reframing: Look for the silver lining or lesson in challenges. This can be hard during challenging times when fear and anger can take over. If you are struggling to find the positive, think about other times when you faced challenges and how you persevered.

• Goal setting: Break big problems into manageable steps. You can overwhelm yourself looking at the big picture. Instead, ask what one step I can take right now to move forward.

• Social support: Lean on colleagues or mentors for perspective and encouragement.

• Self-care: Prioritize rest, nutrition, and activities that recharge you. Your brain will want to run at 100 miles per hour. Taking time to unplug, do something completely different, or even give back to others can help you gain perspective.

  
  

These aren’t just buzzwords. They’re practical habits that, when practiced consistently, build a foundation of strength and flexibility.

Resilience is like a calm lake reflecting challenges with clarity

How to Recognize Discomfort as a Growth Signal

Discomfort often feels like a warning sign. But what if it’s actually a green light? When you feel uneasy, it usually means you’re stepping outside your comfort zone - exactly where growth happens. Instead of shying away, try to lean in and ask yourself:

• What is this discomfort trying to teach me?

• How can I use this feeling to improve my skills or mindset?

• Who can I reach out to for support or advice?

  
  

For example, imagine you’re leading a team through a major change. The uncertainty might cause anxiety or resistance. Instead of ignoring those feelings, acknowledge them openly. Share your own vulnerabilities and invite your team to do the same. This creates trust and opens the door for collaborative problem-solving.

Remember, discomfort is temporary, but the resilience you build lasts. It’s like strengthening a muscle - the more you work it, the stronger it gets.

Focusing on short-term goals and the small steps you can take will help you move forward.

What to do when feeling discomfort?

So, what do you actually do when discomfort hits? Here’s a simple, step-by-step approach that I’ve found incredibly helpful:

1. Pause and breathe: Take a moment to ground yourself. Research shows that deep breathing can calm your nervous system and clear your mind.

2. Name the feeling: Identify what you’re experiencing - stress, fear, frustration, or something else. Naming it reduces its power. If you haven't tried this, please do. It's like looking under the bed to find that there isn't a real monster lurking there.

3. Assess the situation: Is this discomfort a sign of real danger, or is it just your mind reacting to uncertainty?

4. Choose your response: You can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you respond. Decide on one small action that moves you forward. This also can reduce the feeling of being a victim of the situation.

5. Seek support: Don’t hesitate to talk to a trusted colleague, coach, or friend. Sometimes just sharing your feelings lightens the load. I emphasize trusted. This isn't about bashing, blaming, or belittling. It is about taking time to express what you are feeling to someone who can truly listen.

6. Reflect and learn: After the moment passes, think about what worked and what didn’t. This reflection builds your resilience muscle.

   
   

For instance, during a recent team restructuring, I felt a wave of discomfort. Instead of pushing it aside, I followed these steps. I paused, acknowledged my anxiety, and reached out to a mentor. That conversation gave me new perspectives and helped me move forward with more empathy and clarity.

This goes for your personal life, too. Another recent example for me was moving. By practicing these steps, I had a much clearer mind to make good decisions and move forward with grace rather than stress.

If you want to dive deeper into dealing with discomfort, there are some fantastic resources and insights that can guide you through this process.

Journaling is another way to quietly express your situation and build resilience.

Practical Tips to Build Resilience Every Day

Building resilience isn’t a one-time event. It’s a daily practice. Here are some practical tips you can start using right now:

• Start your day with intention: Set a positive goal or affirmation to guide your mindset. Maybe it is to make a difference for someone, achieve a personal goal, or notice the beauty around you. By setting this intention, it will bring depth to the day.

• Practice gratitude: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. It shifts your focus from problems to possibilities. You may not see the results right away, but over time, they will work miracles.

• Embrace challenges: Volunteer for tasks that stretch your skills. Each challenge is a chance to grow.

• Limit negative self-talk: Catch yourself when you think “I can’t” and reframe it to “I’m learning how.” This is super important not only in how you are framing the situation, but also in the story you are telling yourself. If you get caught up in a negative story, you will struggle to build resilience.

• Celebrate small wins: Recognize progress, no matter how tiny. I mean it! If getting out of bed is a small win, celebrate! It fuels motivation.

• Stay connected: Build relationships that provide encouragement and honest feedback.

• Take breaks: Regular pauses prevent burnout and keep your mind fresh. A break doesn't have to be long. Five minutes of watching your dog play will be enough to help you reset. Or at least it does for me. 😀

  
  

These habits might seem small, but over time, they create a resilient mindset that can handle whatever comes your way.

Embracing a Culture of Continuous Growth

Resilience isn’t just an individual skill; it’s a team and organizational asset. When leaders model resilience techniques, it sets the tone for the whole group. Encouraging open communication, learning from mistakes, and supporting each other creates a culture where everyone feels safe to take risks and innovate.

Imagine a workplace where discomfort is seen as a natural part of growth, not a threat. Teams become more agile, creative, and productive. People feel valued and motivated because they know their development matters.

If you’re looking to foster this kind of environment, consider:

• Offering resilience training and workshops.

• Creating peer support groups or mentorship programs.

• Encouraging regular feedback and reflection sessions.

• Recognizing and rewarding adaptability and learning.

  
  

By investing in resilience, you’re investing in a future-ready organization that can navigate change with confidence.

Building lasting resilience techniques is a journey, not a destination. It takes patience, practice, and a willingness to face discomfort head-on. But trust me, the payoff is worth it. You’ll find yourself and your team stronger, more adaptable, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come next. So, why not start today? Your future self will thank you.

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Jen Vondenbrink is a corporate trainer and leadership development expert dedicated to helping teams unlock their full potential. With over 30 years of experience leading teams and developing talent for organizations ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500s, Jen Vondenbrink specializes in building skills and confidence that drive real-world results.

Through her customized training programs, Jen Vondenbrink equips professionals with essential skills in Communication (leveraging the DISC assessment), Managing the Human Side of Change, and Time Management.

If you enjoyed this article and are ready to invest in your team's growth, you can learn more about Jen's customized training solutions or connect with her on LinkedIn.