Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Every Monday and Friday at 8:00 AM, you will find me running on a trail somewhere around town in Colorado Springs, CO.
I’ve been running with the same three friends for years.
Our ritual is medicine for my mind {trail therapy is real}.
But here’s the irony…
I don’t really like running.
Every single step is self-induced discomfort with a dash of pain.
Some days my legs feel like lead.
Other days my lungs seem to fail me.
Then there are days when I just feel dog tired.
As a result, much of my time on the trail is spent wishing the run was done.
It’s a mental game.
Mind over matter.
Does this ring a bell?
I’m not good enough.
I’m not equipped for this.
I’m not strong enough.
This is too much.
I’m in way over my head.
This is too hard!
Those lies can linger on repeat –
If we don’t interrupt them.
If we don’t stop the madness, and
If we don’t take authority over them.
We can be miserable -or- merry.
We can stay the same -or- we can grow.
We can do nothing -or- we can do something.
The choice is ours to make.
We all battle negative thoughts; none of us are immune. But God has given us everything we need to defend ourselves. The victory is ours – if we use his weapons: His truth, His word, His power.
It’s an effort and a choice to silence the lies.
To press in.
And carry on.
But it’s worth it.
E V E R Y T I M E.
Without question.
My running gals coined this tiny but mighty phrase, ‘Stick to the plan.’
It started showing up in our text threads.
If we dared to suggest skipping a day –
usually due to bad weather.
Q: It’s going to be 7 degrees outside?
A: Stick to the plan.
Q: Looks like rain today?
A: Stick to the plan.
Q: Trails may be icy?
A: Stick to the plan.
STICK TO THE PLAN
Those four little words pack a punch for us –
Quitting is off the table.
A no-show is not an option.
Rain or shine.
Or, in the snow.
We GO!
We say ‘stick to the plan’ so often that we now have it embroidered on matching headbands {we middle-age so hard}.
It’s because we know what waits for us on the other side of our comfort zone –
Hello, endorphins >> We are ready to slay the day.
Hello, confidence >> We can do hard things.
Hello, friends >>> Honey for our souls.
When I consider my why ^^ I’m excited to jump out of bed in the morning {even if it’s a run day}.
The problem is… sometimes we don’t stick to the plan.
We can’t wait until we feel like it.
We can’t wait until the mood strikes.
We can’t wait until the time is right.
Sometimes we just have to dig deep and getter done.
There is kingdom work to be done.
Your dreams are worth fighting for.
Your purpose is worth pursuing.
You are in training for your promise.
And our God is worthy of it ALL.
Here are 4 quick tips to help you stick to the plan- and stop breaking promises to yourself.
#1 Know Your Why: It’s the fuel for your fire.
A clear sense of purpose dials in your direction – pointing you one step closer to your target. It’s the extra push when you need it most.
Your why gets you out of the boat {or bed} and walking on water {or carpet} – regardless of the odds or obstacles standing in your way.
Not sure what your why is? No problem. God’s got you covered –
“I have let you live for this purpose: to show you my power and to make my name known on the whole earth.”
Exodus 9:16
All you have to do is brag about what the Lord has done in your life. It’s one way you can point others to Jesus daily.
Walk it out: Pick one goal you’ve been putting off. Write out why it’s important to you – and how it will impact others.
Then tell the world {friends and family will do}. A little public declaration is a sure-fire ticket toward accountability.
Warning: You will make a significant impact on others. And you’re going to like it – A LOT.
#2 Silence The Lies: Replace them with His truth.
Our mind is the battlefield where the enemy wants to replace truth with lies – they are his secret sauce. It’s no bueno.
We need to fill ourselves up with so much truth that there is no room for any lies in our thoughts. Knowing the truth intimately immediately dilutes the negative thoughts. As a result, you are free to walk boldly, confidently, and courageously toward your goal.
Not sure where to begin? No problem. Try this –
“I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Phil 4:13
That single verse can change your narrative from “I can’t” to “I can and I will.” Never underestimate the power of God’s word in your life.
If you need a little extra help, download your Daily Declarations here. They are my way of staying on the offense.
Walk it out: Get your nose in the bible—one minute or one hour a day. Something is better than nothing. Make consistency your friend. Then try repeating your Daily Declarations often and always.
Warning: You will start believing you are who God says you are. And it’s going to look really good on you.
#3 Stick To The Plan: Make a promise to yourself – and then don’t break it.
See what happens if you don’t give up. You’ll never regret keeping the promises you make to yourself -You’ll only regret breaking them.
“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.“
Phil 3:14
Walk it out: Pick one promise you’d like to keep. Set a goal for yourself – one day, one week, one month? Track your progress and celebrate each milestone.
Warning: Confidence and courage will rise up. The feeling is gonna influence every area of your life. And others will take note.
#4 Rise Up: Time under tension is where growth happens.
We don’t get stronger staying the same. We overcome by doing hard things. Get comfortable being uncomfortable! Nothing ever grows in the space of security and comfort anyway.
Get excited; God has big plans for you! The question is, are you ready?
How will you handle the pressure and adversity? Will you buckle under pressure or rise up and praise Him.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation”.
Romans 5:3-5 NLT
Prepare to be amazed at how minor tweaks create a significant impact. All it takes is a dash of everyday courage and a whole lotta praise.
Walk it out: What is the Lord asking you to do today? Is He inviting you to get out of your comfort zone? Do it scared. Remember, faith is waiting for you on the other side of fear.
Warning: The joy of the Lord is your strength. The more you praise Him, the stronger you become. And you’ll wear a smile that will become infectious for others.
Stick to the Plan.
What could you accomplish?
How would you feel?
How many lives could you impact?
Decide today that you are worth it – because He is worthy.
God needs you, and so do we.
P.S. Have you ever wondered what your life would look like – God’s way. Are you ready to go all-in? Find the courage for your calling in my new members-only community coming soon. Email me for more information at hello@melissachu.org.
