To the Pain!
At physical therapy for a leg injury* this week, my physical therapist said, “You’re letting your fear of pain paralyze you.”
She’s right: I’m scared to put weight on my leg because the last time I did that, it really hurt. My brain is trying to protect me from experiencing that pain again, and every time I go to lean on my leg my whole body freezes.
We’re like this with metaphorical pain as well. Because once, over a decade ago, my boss almost fired me when he asked to see me in his office, now I’m paralyzed every time my manager asks to talk with little context. I’ve seen so many people, in so many meetings, afraid to speak up because once they were told their ideas weren’t good enough, or because they spoke out of turn. I’ve seen leaders surround themselves with people who only share good news, because those who don’t get discounted and the others become afraid to try.
In physical therapy yesterday, I tested putting weight on my leg - and it really hurt! But just for a few seconds, before my body adjusted. My physical therapist watched and guided me to transfer my weight for a few seconds at a time. In her words, “You’ll be uncomfortable, but discomfort promotes healing. Stop when you get to the point of pain.”
Innovation and growth requires the same practice and scaffolding. It requires taking small risks and building confidence. It requires pushing through the boundaries of what’s comfortable into discomfort. It requires knowing what the watch signs are for going too far. And it requires the support of someone who’s cheering you on and holding you accountable for doing the work.
Fear is a hugely helpful emotion: it protects us from harm, warns of future dangers, and makes us wiser. We have an opportunity to make a choice to welcome the fear and move past it. Look at what the fear is telling us and move into discomfort anyway.
Yesterday, I was able to walk five steps - a massive improvement over 10 days ago. Today, I can walk up and down the steps. Tomorrow, it may be that I overexerted myself and I’m back to crutches - or maybe I can walk even farther. The only way to get the growth I want is from pushing through the fear and embracing the discomfort.
* I’m fine - it’s a calf muscle tear so while I can’t walk at the moment it will heal just fine. The story of how I got injured requires a full dramatic retelling; if you ask I’ll share more!