How To Grow
Three years ago I decided to learn golf. I never played any sport in my life or even watched sports, so I was starting from scratch. I joined golf because my husband and I joked with our kids that we would be golfing in Florida when we retire, so that is where they can expect to visit us in our golden years. It occurred to me one day that if I actually want to play golf when I am older, I might want to learn it now. I decided to join my local Golf Club.
For the first six weeks I tried to learn the game based on tips from my husband and other golfers. To play more, I joined ladies night at the golf course. If you've ever had to stand before a crowd of people to tee off when you really don't know how to play, it's daunting. As you approach the tee, it feels like you are walking towards a guillotine. If I had a terrible shot, I would look back at the women watching me and mumble with embarrassment, "I'm new" trying to explain my game.
1. Be willing to be vulnerable.
2. Do something that will challenge you. Easy is always an option. Do the harder thing.
3. Laugh at yourself. In the moment, you might feel embarrassed, but I guarantee no one is going to have stories like you to tell your friends. Nothing is that serious.
4. Push through the uncomfortableness.
5. Be willing to show up regularly. Growth happens when you continue with the experience. You deepen the learning about yourself as well as grow in knowledge about the skill you are trying to learn.
What Being Uncomfortable Taught Me
Learning golf taught me lessons in vulnerability and perseverance. If I wanted to truly learn how to play, I had to be vulnerable enough to stay uncomfortable and persevere through my discomfort.
I was uncomfortable with people watching me learn.
I was uncomfortable making mistakes.
I was uncomfortable playing with strangers (which sometimes happens).
If I wanted to learn this game so I can play golf in Florida I had to stick with it. I stuck with it. Now I am comfortable playing a round of golf with friends and colleagues. Mission accomplished.
What Does The Uncomfortable Feeling Show You
A growth opportunity is present. If you can persevere through your experience, you grow immensely. What a great opportunity to learn about yourself...your strengths and your weaknesses.
You are being tested. Do you have what it takes to push through. When the going gets tough, do you dig in or do you quit?
Grow in confidence. Sticking with something that is uncomfortable doesn't mean you are going to master the skill. I won't be a professional golfer ever, but I got myself to a point where I can play the game. Some games are good. Others not so much. By pushing through uncomfortable, I grew in confidence. If I can learn a difficult game, what else can I do?
Growth is never easy, but it is always worth it.
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
To Your Continued Growth,
Dana