During a day in London this week, I was struck by the sheer contrast of the skyline. In one frame, you can see the modern glass spire of the Shard towering directly over a tiny, historic Victorian pub.
It’s a striking visual of old and new, demolition and construction. The city is constantly reorganising itself, coexisting in a state of permanent evolution.
It made me reflect on how we navigate change in our personal and professional lives, and why it can feel so challenging.
I was reminded of a powerful insight from Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM: "Growth and comfort do not coexist."
Stepping into the unknown and taking on things we’ve never done before is the ultimate catalyst for personal and professional growth. But let’s be honest, leaving our comfort zone is often accompanied by a wave of anxiety, self-doubt, and stress.
For some, change is an exciting catalyst. For others, particularly when we look through a neuroinclusive lens, it is a heavy cognitive and sensory load. For neurodivergent individuals, unexpected transitions or rapid shifts in routine require significant processing energy. What might look like "resistance" on the surface is often a vital self-preservation response to avoid burnout.
So, how do we bridge the gap? How do we embrace the discomfort necessary for growth without burning out?
For me, the key is mindfulness.
Mindfulness doesn't eliminate the discomfort of growth, but it completely changes our relationship with it. It allows us to build the "new" (our own personal Shards) while keeping our foundations (our quiet, historic inner spaces) secure and stable.
By staying present during times of transition, we learn to:
1️⃣ Anchor ourselves in the current moment rather than worrying about the "what-ifs" of a new challenge.
2️⃣ Regulate our nervous system when the cognitive load or the pressure to perform spikes.
3️⃣ Cultivate self-compassion when navigating a steep learning curve.
Growth and comfort might not coexist, but growth and acceptance of 'what is' in the present moment, absolutely can.
How do you manage the discomfort that comes with taking on new professional challenges?
#ProfessionalGrowth #Leadership #MindfulnessAtWork #MentalWellbeing #Neurodiversity
Cultivating calm, resilience, and sustainable wellbeing.
I help organisations create healthier, more resilient workplaces by giving people practical tools…
