A few weeks ago, my music group had to temporarily move venues while our usual space was under renovation. It seemed minor on paper—but watching the reactions said everything. Gone were the relaxed smiles and casual chats. In their place? Irritation, stress, and visible discomfort.
One simple shift in environment was all it took.
Change isn’t painful—resistance to change is.
It’s human nature to crave comfort. But the moment you get too comfortable, growth stalls. I see it in business, in music, in faith, and in life. Children don’t have this problem. They smile while stumbling. They learn by trying, by experimenting, by falling and laughing. Why don’t we?
Jesus said, “Unless you become like little children…”—maybe because their humility and curiosity are keys to learning and transformation.
I once chaired a Board of Realtors Meeting where I handed every agent a number at the door. That number determined their table—no sitting with friends or usual cliques. It rattled them. Some laughed, some scowled, some outright refused to participate. Thirty years later, I still remember the tension it caused. But you know what? It worked.
It was an organization in the midst of controversial structural change and, for the moment at least, they were more focused on their crazy radical leader than the business changes in front of them.
Leaders challenge comfort.
They confront apathy.
They guide people through resistance into responsibility.
It’s not about causing pain—it’s about pursuing purpose.
Reflection Prompt
How do you respond to discomfort?
Do you avoid it? Snap at it? Or lean in, knowing that growth demands discomfort like muscles demand resistance?
If you’ve been stagnant lately—personally, professionally, spiritually—maybe you’re overdue for a stretch. And maybe it’s time to welcome it, not resist it.
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Let’s keep doing the hard stuff that makes life better.
— Mark Dolan
Founder, Time Tested Mastery