Why Discomfort is the First Step to Success

Before You Learn Something New, Get Ready to Feel Uncomfortable

Recently, Seth Godin shared a post about the “pre-work” required before learning a new skill.

He suggested that before you begin, you have to be willing to feel incompetent, risk failure, and accept the temporary discomfort of being an imposter. You can read his original piece here: https://seths.blog/2025/09/before-we-learn-a-new-skill/

This struck a chord with me because it’s exactly the conversation I have with many of my clients.

When you own a business, you’ll constantly be asked to step into areas where you don’t yet feel confident—whether that’s hiring your first manager, learning to read financial statements, or letting go of tasks you’ve always done yourself.

The truth is: growth requires discomfort.

Growth Requires Discomfort

Over the years, I’ve learned that coaching doesn’t work when a business owner isn’t ready for this kind of growth.

If you’re not willing to stretch outside your comfort zone—if you want everything to feel easy—you’re not ready.

As I often tell clients:

• Coaching isn’t a “done for you” service.
• It requires effort and the courage to be wrong before you get it right.
• You need to be as committed to the process as you are to the outcome.

Just like hiring a personal trainer won’t make you fit unless you show up and do the workouts, hiring a business coach won’t change your business unless you’re willing to take action.

Want a Better Business? Become a Better Owner.

One of my guiding beliefs is that if the owner wants a better business, first the business needs a better owner. That means being open to:

• Developing new leadership and delegation skills
• Building confidence in areas you’ve avoided (often sales or pricing)
• Practicing new habits until they stick

This isn’t always comfortable. In fact, it rarely is at the start.

But when you work through the discomfort, the payoff is massive.

Clients who commit to the process often find that not only does their business improve—they become more confident leaders, better communicators, and more effective decision-makers.

Discomfort Is the Price of Success

If you’re on the verge of learning something new in your business—whether that’s building systems, hiring a team, or stepping back from day-to-day work—ask yourself Godin’s questions:

• Am I willing to feel uncomfortable while I learn?
• Am I prepared to risk looking like an imposter for a while?
• Am I eager to meet the version of myself who will exist on the other side?

If the answer is yes, you’re ready for the kind of growth that will transform your business.

If you’re ready to lean into the discomfort that comes with growth—and you want a guide to help you through it—let’s talk. Book a complimentary 15-minute call and we’ll see if coaching is the right fit for you.