Imagine this: You’re standing at the base of a mountain.

At the top lies everything you’ve ever wanted. Success, health, happiness, and fulfillment.

But to get there, you have to climb.

The path is steep, rocky, and treacherous.

It will test your limits and push you beyond your comfort zone.

This is what “embracing the suck” is all about.

It’s about understanding that the most rewarding experiences in life often come with significant challenges.

These challenges can be grueling workouts, bland meals, or long hours of focused work.

But at the end of this struggle lies something invaluable: the life you desire.

Why We Avoid the Suck

The human brain is wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain.

This instinct, while useful for survival, often holds us back from achieving our goals.

When faced with a tough situation, our brains send signals to avoid discomfort. This is why many people quit their New Year’s resolutions by February or abandon diets at the first sign of hunger.

It’s not that we lack willpower; it’s that our brains are trying to protect us from discomfort.

The Psychology of Change

Change is hard because it disrupts our routine and forces us into the unknown. The fear of failure and the potential pain of effort make us stick to what’s familiar, even if it’s not serving us well.

This is known as the “comfort zone” – a mental space where we feel safe and in control.

However, real growth happens outside this zone. When we push through discomfort, we train our brains to adapt and overcome challenges.

The Suck in Diet

Let’s talk about diet.

Eating healthy often means giving up our favorite junk foods and opting for more nutritious, but sometimes less exciting, options.

The initial phase of changing your diet can be particularly tough.

Your taste buds crave sugar, your stomach misses the fullness of processed foods, and your mind battles with old habits. But after those 100 bland meals, your body starts to feel better, your energy levels increase, and you may even find joy in healthy eating.

It’s the upfront pain that leads to long-term gain.

The Suck in Mental Health

Improving mental health can also involve significant discomfort. This might mean confronting painful memories in therapy, practicing mindfulness when your mind wants to race, or breaking free from toxic relationships.

These steps are uncomfortable, sometimes even painful. But by embracing this suck, you pave the way for a healthier, more balanced mind.

Tangible Ways to Embrace the Suck

1. Set Clear Goals: Know what you’re working towards. A clear vision helps you push through tough times.
2. Break It Down: Instead of focusing on the entire journey, break it into manageable chunks. Focus on one workout, one meal, or one hour at a time.
3. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who understand your goals and can offer encouragement.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. This keeps you motivated.
5. Stay Mindful: Practice mindfulness to stay present and reduce the mental resistance to discomfort.

Reflection Prompts

1. What is one area of your life where you’re avoiding discomfort?
2. What steps can you take to begin embracing the suck in that area?
3. How do you feel after pushing through a difficult task?
4. What long-term benefits can you envision from enduring short-term discomfort?

Embracing the suck isn’t about seeking pain for pain’s sake.

It’s about recognizing that the most rewarding paths in life often require navigating through discomfort.

By facing these challenges head-on, we not only achieve our goals but also grow stronger and more resilient.

So, lace up your boots, take a deep breath, and start climbing.

The view from the top is worth it.

Until next time

RD Bert