Sep 23, 2024
Growth and comfort rarely walk hand in hand. If you’ve ever found yourself avoiding discomfort, you’ve likely reinforced the belief that you can’t handle it. This matters because, according to neuroscientific research, avoiding discomfort strengthens the brain’s preference for what is familiar, even when it’s not in your best interest. But by understanding the science behind this, we can change how we approach growth and resilience.
The human brain is designed for efficiency. It forms neural connections through repetition, reinforcing familiar habits and behaviours. Every time you avoid discomfort, those neural circuits strengthen, further solidifying avoidance as your go-to strategy. This is part of why growth can feel uncomfortable—because it's unfamiliar. However, neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself—can be harnessed to promote new, healthier pathways that encourage growth.
Studies on neuroplasticity show that by repeatedly engaging in new behaviours (even ones that feel challenging), the brain begins to adapt. In other words, the more you expose yourself to discomfort in small, manageable doses, the better your brain becomes at handling it. Over time, this rewiring allows you to expand your capacity for growth.
Avoidance creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you avoid difficult situations, you reinforce the belief that you're not capable of handling them, which decreases your confidence and makes future challenges even harder. The more you give in to avoidance, the stronger that neural network becomes.
On the other hand, when you take even a small step toward discomfort—whether that’s speaking up in a meeting, facing a personal fear, or tackling a new task—you send a message to your brain that you can handle it. Each small success rewires your brain, building a growth mindset where discomfort becomes a sign of potential progress rather than something to shy away from.
One of the most important principles of a growth mindset is taking gradual steps toward discomfort. The key here is small, consistent action.
A growth mindset isn’t just a buzzword. It’s deeply rooted in neuroscience. Carol Dweck’s research shows that individuals with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities for learning, rather than threats to avoid. This perspective encourages neuroplasticity, as the brain becomes more flexible and adaptable with each new experience.
When we engage in new, difficult tasks, our brain forms new neural pathways. As we repeat these tasks, these pathways become stronger, creating lasting structural changes in the brain. This process explains why individuals who consistently push beyond their comfort zones tend to experience more growth and resilience over time.
Your brain finds comfort in the familiar because it conserves energy. Routine activities, even unhelpful ones, don’t require much effort or new thinking. But this preference for the familiar can trap you in patterns that don’t serve your growth.
On the flip side, when you engage in activities that challenge you, your brain works harder, and in doing so, it rewires itself. Over time, these neural adaptations allow for greater flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. This is how your brain grows, much like how muscles build through repeated effort.
Growth and discomfort will always be linked. The key to developing a growth mindset is not avoiding discomfort but expanding your capacity to handle it. By taking small, intentional steps outside your comfort zone, you encourage neuroplasticity and build the confidence needed to face greater challenges in the future.
Remember, every time you push through discomfort—even for one breath—you’re not just growing your skills, you’re actively reshaping your brain. And with that, you open yourself up to endless possibilities for growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
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