All that we value can be found in the other side of pain
We only grow after enduring pain. Yet, the indicators of average pain endured have been decreasing for the last 25 years
When I was younger, I took up tennis for the first time. The first few days were brutal — my hands were covered in blisters, and every muscle ached. I remember gripping the racket, my palms stinging with each hit, and thinking, “Is this really worth it?” I wanted to give up, but something inside me told me to keep going. Little did I know, that discomfort was the beginning of something more significant — a lesson that would shape my approach to life.
Discomfort as a Catalyst for Growth
Just like my experience with tennis, discomfort is often the first sign that we’re on the path to growth. Those blisters on my hands eventually turned into calluses, toughening my skin and allowing me to play better without pain. It’s the same process when we work out: muscles tear, but when they rebuild, they grow stronger.
In that same vein, discomfort doesn’t just lead to physical growth — it’s essential for mental and emotional development too. Think about the first time you faced a difficult challenge at work or in your studies. The struggle, the frustration — it’s all part of the growth process.
It applies to all aspects of life
This principle of growth through discomfort can be applied to every aspect of life. Whether it’s working for good grades, pursuing professional achievements, building healthy relationships, or maintaining mental health, progress rarely comes without effort. It requires enduring the discomfort of long hours, difficult conversations, or the frustration of not understanding something right away. The more we push through these moments, the stronger we become.
In my own experience, I’ve noticed that the moments I was most uncomfortable were also the times when I made the most significant progress. Whether it was stepping outside my comfort zone to meet new people or pushing through a tough project at work, discomfort was always the first step toward growth.
The 25-Year Decline
Despite this natural process, we’re now facing a curious trend: testosterone levels have dropped by 25% over the last 25 years.
Testosterone is a hormone that increases it’s level with physical effort, for example with strength training.
It seems like modern life has found a way to remove every ounce of discomfort. We’ve become experts at avoiding pain, and in doing so, we’ve also avoided growth.
(There are other factors involved in the Testosterone crisis, like overall worst sleep, increased stress levels and worst eating habits, but that’s not the focus of this article)
Challenging the Fantasy
We all want to believe there’s an easy way out — that we can get stronger or healthier without discomfort. But as much as we might wish for it, true growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
The sooner we accept that discomfort is part of the process, the sooner we’ll see real progress.
I kept playing tennis, and with time, those blisters hardened into calluses. My grip improved, my stamina grew, and eventually, the game became easier. Not because the discomfort disappeared, but because I had grown stronger. The same applies to every aspect of life.
Discomfort is not the enemy
Discomfort is just a sign that you’re moving in the right direction. Just as my blisters became calluses, the challenges we face in life toughen us up, physically and mentally. Instead of running from discomfort, let’s embrace it.
By pushing through pain, we can unlock a stronger, more resilient version of ourselves.
