Every big career jump I made?
Started with discomfort.

Comfort is a killer for your career.

Your brain hates discomfort.
But it thrives on it.

Most of us avoid stepping into the unknown because it feels risky.

But neuroscience shows that your brain actually rewires itself when you push past your comfort zone.

Stanford neurologist Robert Sapolsky found moderate, manageable stress improves cognitive function and memory.

Why?

When you stretch, your brain releases norepinephrine, building new neural pathways.

The world’s best leaders don’t stay comfortable.
They seek the right kind of discomfort and use it to keep growing.

They throw themselves into a new role, a coaching program, a stretch assignment 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 they feel ready.

How to make discomfort your growth engine:

1/ Identify your zones:
➤ Comfort zone: Tasks done on autopilot
➤ Stretch zone: Challenging, but doable with effort
➤ Panic zone: Too overwhelming to be useful

2/ Schedule deliberate stretching:
➤ Block 2 hours a week for something slightly uncomfortable
➤ Example: If public speaking scares you, start small; speak up in meetings

3/ Use the 70/20/10 rule:
➤ 70% mastering your current tasks
➤ 20% stretching your skills
➤ 10% experimenting with new roles or projects

4/ Build your own psychological safety:
➤ Google’s Project Aristotle found psychological safety is the #1 predictor of team success
➤ Treat new challenges as experiments; not win/lose tests

5/ Track growth, not perfection:
➤ Measure progress in small steps
➤ Celebrate the attempt, not just the result

The magic’s always at the edge of your abilities.

Each time you stretch, your comfort zone expands and your brain literally changes.

Want to advance your career?
Pick one way to stretch today.

Put it on your calendar, it’ll pay off.