Embrace Discomfort - Study Tip #2
Learning new skills, starting a new hobby, or beginning a new job can be challenging. In each of these scenarios, one common feeling often arises: discomfort. In this post, I will explain why, for me, accepting and even embracing discomfort while studying can be helpful, and I will share three tips on how you can better manage this feeling.
To those of you who go to the gym, do you remember your first time there? Personally, I first stepped into a gym at the age of 18. Everyone seemed more experienced and much bigger than me (yes, I said bigger because I was very skinny at the time). I felt uneasy, maybe even a little scared, because all the machines and exercises were completely new to me. I also felt discomfort.
I had a few false starts, where I began going to the gym but eventually stopped. However, for the past two years, I’ve been going consistently. Over time, I realized that those initial feelings of discomfort and fear were completely normal. The only way to overcome them was to accept them and work out anyway. Eventually, I started feeling more confident, understood what exercises I needed to do, and began seeing results in the mirror.
The same principle applies when studying new material. Just a few days ago, I passed the SOA FM exam. When I first looked at the topics covered in the exam, I knew very little about them. Sometimes, I felt incredibly dumb when I couldn’t remember certain formulas or figure out how to solve a specific problem. But after more or less consistent studying for three months, the topics began to feel more familiar. I started solving more problems correctly and memorized many formulas.
So, why should you embrace discomfort?
Why You Should Embrace Discomfort
Discomfort often signals growth. It is a sign that you are stepping out of your comfort zone and engaging with something unfamiliar. When you allow yourself to experience discomfort instead of avoiding it, you open the door to learning and improvement.
Here are three reasons why embracing discomfort can be transformative:
It Builds Resilience
Facing discomfort strengthens your ability to handle challenging situations, whether in the gym, at work, or while studying. Over time, you develop the mental toughness to keep going despite setbacks.
It Accelerates Learning
Struggling through unfamiliar concepts or exercises forces your brain and body to adapt. This adaptation is where real growth happens—both physically and mentally.
It Leads to Confidence
As you consistently push through discomfort, you gain skills, knowledge, and results. These achievements boost your self-confidence and make future challenges feel less daunting.
By accepting discomfort and pushing forward, you’re building a foundation for long-term success. However, this is often easier said than done. Below, there are three ways to deal with studying discomfort.
3 Ways to Deal with Studying Discomfort
1. Calm Yourself
When discomfort arises, take a moment to pause and relax. Deep breathing, stretching, or a short break can help clear your mind and reduce stress, making it easier to refocus.
2. Remember Your Why
Reconnect with your goals. Whether it’s passing an exam or building a career, keeping your purpose in mind gives meaning to the struggle and helps you push through tough moments.
3. Know Why You Feel Like This
Discomfort often comes from tackling the unfamiliar. Recognize that it’s a natural part of learning and progress. Breaking tasks into smaller steps or adjusting your approach can make challenges feel more manageable.
For me, in moments of discomfort, some of these methods always help in some way. Take time to understand yourself better and experiment with new ways to reduce discomfort. By doing so, you’ll be able to study more consistently and effectively.
Summary
Discomfort is an inevitable part of growth, whether you're learning a new skill, starting a hobby, or studying for an important exam. Instead of avoiding it, embracing discomfort can lead to resilience, confidence, and long-term success.
By calming yourself, staying connected to your "why," and understanding the root of your feelings, you can transform discomfort into a powerful tool for progress. Remember, the uneasy moments are where real learning and improvement happen—so lean into them and keep moving forward.
I hope this tip helps you. If you’d like to share your thoughts on the topic, feel free to reach out to me via email, LinkedIn, or the comment section below!