You’ve heard the term before. “Invest in yourself.”

Mostly, when people use it they are trying to sell you something. I sell stuff too, but this post has nothing to do with selling anything. Instead, it is about a little secret about the most important thing you need to invest in when you or your organization has big dreams. Is it tools or software or webinars or the latest book? Nope.

It is uncomfortableness.

I have come to understand this after more than a decade as a success coach, helping people and organizations strive for, and reach their dreams. In the end, it is never ability or education or background that moves someone over the hump from living to being successful, in whatever way people describe success.

I learned this because most of my clients have had their dream for a long time. And they have gone after that dream in a variety of ways (sound successful) and never quite got there. Not because the program or coach was faulty. Not because they were not willing to work towards their dream. And certainly not because there was anything wrong with the people or organizations I coach.

No, in the end, the thing that kept them from success had to do with feeling uncomfortable;
because growing into a dream means change. We have to do something differently. And sooner or later that something different hits against our comfort. And we slow down. And we quit.

We blame whoever or whatever we blame. Bad program. Bad coach. Unrealistic webinar. Life got too crazy. Too many demands. Not enough time. Yadda, yadda, yadda. But when I probe, the answer is always the same, we hit something emotionally uncomfortable. Something that made us feel uncomfortable. and we slow down. And we quite.

It’s human.

So, how do we overcome that oh-so-human tendency? First, we admit it. Secondly, we decide to treat that uncomfortableness just as we would treat any investment. It is part of the cost of “getting there.” And we have to pay it. But, since it is an investment, we also realize that it will pay off many times over, IF we choose to make the investment.

Ideally whatever program, whatever coach you choose, addresses that uncomfortableness. Because uncomfortableness can be overcome. In my coaching process, for instance, we start there, working to diminish the uncomfortable places before you encounter them, preparing you. Others have a different approach. (A few don’t address it at all.).

But, you WILL have to face it. No matter whose program you look at. Because that uncomfortableness tears at our spirit, and our spirit is what moves us to the best success. Every time.

So treat it as an investment, not a burden. Not a wall you can’t overcome (because you CAN!). But an investment that will bring you your dream. Every time.

Be well. Travel wisely,

Tom