Change has to happen. I know that in my bones and I also know how much discomfort shows up every time we move toward something new. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Maybe I should wait until this feels easier,” I want to tell you this plainly: It Feels Uncomfortable because you’re growing.
When It Feels Uncomfortable, that queasy, sticky feeling doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re on the edge of something that will stretch you, your mindset, your systems, your courage. I used to hide in busyness and strategy because it felt safer than actually doing the scary thing. But hiding only delayed the expansion I wanted.
Listen the Full Episode Here:
Discomfort is not your enemy, it’s your guide
I’ll say it again: It Feels Uncomfortable when you’re on the path to change. That’s the signal, not the stop sign. When my hair was tied up all day and I couldn’t decide whether to let it down, I felt that same small panic: what if it looks awful? What if I made the wrong choice?
When I let my hair down, it felt freeing. That tiny act taught me a bigger lesson: sometimes fear makes things look worse in our head than they are in real life. That’s why I keep coming back to the same question for my clients and for myself: is this fear protecting me or preventing me?
Three things to remember when it feels hard
- Label the feeling. Say it out loud: “I’m uncomfortable.” Naming it reduces its power.
- Lean into curiosity, not catastrophe. Ask: What’s the smallest brave next step I can take?
- Get help sooner. You weren’t meant to figure everything out alone; ask a peer, a coach, or a trusted team member.
When It Feels Uncomfortable, these three moves turn paralysis into progress.
A practical framework I use (and teach)
Think of where you are now as your thumb and where you want to be as your pinky. To get there, you’ll climb mountains and cross valleys; highs, lows, and all. That journey will feel messy. That’s okay. Growth isn’t tidy.
If It Feels Uncomfortable, keep the actions small and consistent. Momentum beats perfection.
Watch the Full Episode in YouTube:
https://youtu.be/Dpd1f9xQGs0
When fear becomes a habit (and how to break it)
I used to tell myself I wasn’t doing enough when I was stuck. Now I know that being stuck often means I was trying to solve a problem alone that I shouldn’t have tried to solve alone. If you find yourself over-planning and under-doing, that’s a sign to bring in support.
Remember: It Feels Uncomfortable because you’re pushing boundaries. Let that discomfort be your compass, not your captor.
Your Millie Moment
- Notice (1 minute): Stop whatever you’re doing and name the feeling, “I feel uncomfortable.”
- Clarify (3 minutes): In one sentence, write what you think will happen if you act. (This reveals the real fear.)
- Choose one micro-action (5–15 minutes): Pick something tiny, a DM, a draft email, a 10-minute test change in your shop.
- Share (30 seconds): Tell one person (peer, teammate, or coach) what you’re doing. Accountability increases follow-through.
- Reflect (5 minutes after): Note what happened and what you learned, then repeat.
Do this sequence three times in 7 days. You’ll be surprised how quickly the discomfort softens and how much forward motion you create.
Resources & Links
- Check out Episode 001: Hi. It’s me
- Check out Episode 002: Part 1 – The Only Way to Grow Your Store with Ease – 3 Steps to Embrace Change Well
- Check out Episode 003: Part 2 – The Only Way to Grow Your Store with Ease – 3 Steps to Embrace Change Well
- Check out Episode 004: Part 3 – The Only Way to Grow Your Store with Ease – 3 Steps to Embrace Change Well
- Ready to welcome discomfort as your path to growth? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, where we’ll identify your growth opportunities and map out the most profitable next steps to elevate your visibility, attract the right customers, and scale with confidence.
- Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact Profit Roadmap we use in our Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
- Follow us on social media for more updates! Facebook / Instagram
Join the community with ambitious store owners in our Richer Retailer Facebook Group
💚 Remember: I’ve been there, in that shaky space where everything feels uncomfortable and you’re not sure if you’re doing it right. But looking back, those were always the moments that changed everything for the better. Trust that this feeling means you’re on your way to something amazing. I’m cheering for you. Always.
