Pain and Success: Internal Grit

Written by:John Henry| WVUGo Staff Writer

Don’t let the discomfort of trying something new stop your success.

Discomfort and pain are often factors in the compromise of someone’s effort or continued effort in a certain activity but are ultimately the trials that each individual must put themselves through to eventually succeed.

Although it is completely natural for people to want to take the easy route or find comfort and pleasure in what they are doing, which usually sways people from trying harder, new things, more effort or even to do smaller things.

Part of this issue is that pain and discomfort are undesirable for anyone. Discomfort can mean many things also. Social anxiety no matter how small is a discomfort keeps a lot of students from volunteering or going out of their way to join a club or social organization. Even though many people can relate this to their freshman year, this branches out to all students.

Discomfort can also mean the fear of failing, the simple action of trying something new, the end processes like cleaning up, really anything that gives the individual dread from thinking about it and how the experience will reinforce that thought process. Rather than taking it on, many will not even make the attempt and find something that will ensure comfort and enjoyment.

Taking on discomfort may be one of the more beneficial things that not only students, but everyone can employ in their daily agenda. Even though there are health benefits to working out, being able to see real results from starting to work out can be a driving force. Working out can, at times, be generally painful, especially for beginners, but it will boost confidence, drive, motivation or at the very least give that person the grit to base their course of action the next time pain and discomfort are experienced.

For students, discomfort can often come from school work. As important it is to get through the process of wading through lecture slides and being on top of work, it can be equally important for them to place time in their days to take on an activity they want to or are passionate about that will cause discomfort. Along with seeing results in real time, it is positively reinforcing individuals’ mental health and image about their capabilities.

Rest and relaxation are also important because only placing yourself in uncomfortable positions will not always be beneficial. It should be sought after by the individual. Progress can start small also. Many expect to be able to jump into a workout routine or new activity and be capable of the things they see others do or want to model themselves after. Starting small and building from there will teach how to adapt faster and build confidence in abilities. This will invest that person into the activity to want to do and learn more while also feeding a positive mental health.

Essentially, by being uncomfortable outside of school and other required work, each person is tricking their mind in a positive way to think healthier and live better. Discomfort and pain are not always bad things and should not be deterrents. There is a difference between hurt and injured. Being hurt means the individual may need to take it easy or soreness both mental and physical are taking over, but they are not injured and can keep pushing through as hard as it may be.

Discomfort should be seen as a character builder in the tools afforded to people that offers many rewards by simply voluntarily living in it for a little bit each day.

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