The Uncomfortable 30

My word of the year chose me.

I heard it loud and clear on January 1, as if it landed on my shoulder, whispering its presence:

"Discomfort."

Oof.

Not exactly the warm, inspiring word I wanted to embrace. But I knew deep down—it was exactly what I needed.

Fast forward to this week. I was at a two-day retreat hosted by James Lawrence (the Iron Cowboy), surrounded by some of the most resilient, growth-oriented people I’ve ever met.

James is one of the world’s most elite endurance athletes—best known for completing 100 triathlons in 100 days. Limits to the human spirit? They don’t exist for James.

One of the speakers introduced The Uncomfortable 30—a challenge to intentionally do one uncomfortable thing every day for 30 days.

It made me uncomfortable. I felt like he was speaking directly to me.

So, of course, I had to be in.

The idea? Write down 30 things that stretch you, challenge you, or make you pause with resistance—and do them.

Here are a few of mine:

Ask for feedback on my blind spots from four people (Where can I grow? No sugarcoating.)
Speak to a live audience on my book topic: Chasing Enoughness (No hiding behind a screen.)
Hand in my edited manuscript by March 1 (No more tweaking. No more waiting. It’s time to move from writing to publishing.)
Cold plunge for 5 minutes (Because my mind will scream “get out” long before my body actually needs to.)
24 hours with zero devices (No distractions. Just presence.)
60 minutes on the stair master (I literally loathe the stair master.)
Write a forgiveness letter to a friend I lost touch with (Unfinished emotional weight takes up space.)
Take a cold shower (Because choosing discomfort makes you stronger.)
Post on Instagram for 30 straight days (No overthinking, no perfecting, just showing up and hitting publish.)
Set a boundary I’ve been avoiding.

None of these things are convenient. None of them are necessary. I could skip this challenge, and my life would stay the same.

But that’s what I’m afraid of. If I do nothing, I'll stay the same.

Every single one of these challenges will help me grow in some way—help me embody the identity of the woman and leader I want to be.

Proof that Discomfort is the Doorway

Most of the world is just going through the motions:

Wake up. Work. Dinner. A little TV. Scroll. Sleep. Repeat.

That cycle should make you uncomfortable—because going through the motions is the fastest way to stay stuck.

Every meaningful shift, every major breakthrough, and every real transformation in life starts in the exact same place: discomfort.

We are all so afraid of experiencing temporary discomfort—the discomfort of being a beginner, of taking a risk, of being exposed, of stepping into a new role, of speaking up—when that is exactly the path to lasting ease.

A Cautionary Warning

Embracing discomfort may lead to:
✅ Growth and healing by working through triggers
✅ Letting go of what no longer serves you
✅ Authenticity—dropping the masks
✅ Making peace with the past
✅ Finally having that conversation that’s been weighing on you
✅ Living the life you dream about
✅ Making a bigger impact on the world with your work

7 Ways to Leave Your Comfort Zone Today

Want to shake things up? Start here:

Challenge your beliefs – Are they moving you closer to what you want? If not, rewrite them.
Change up your routine – Take a different route to work, eat something new, break the autopilot.
Do one thing that challenges you – A cold plunge, a bold ask, a difficult conversation.
Practice saying NO – Set a boundary where you usually cave.
Sit in discomfort without numbing it – No distractions, just feel it.
Try something new in business or leadership – Make the pitch, launch the idea, take the leap.
Ask for help – If you resist support, this is your challenge today.

Final Thought

I hope you say YES more.
I hope you choose a life that inspires you.
I hope you show up fully, present.

Lean into the discomfort.

Want to join me? I’ve opened up a channel on Instagram HERE to document my Uncomfortable 30 and share one little nudge of inspo every day… let’s grow together.

Here’s your daily reminder that you are worthy, capable, and I am rooting for you.

Until next week,

❤️ Mandy

P.S. The new season of The Well Podcast is here! Tune in to weekly episodes, perfect for your walks or whenever you need a moment to reflect and recharge.

P.P.S. If you’re new to The Well Resourced, hello! 👋 Learn the 7 things The Well Resourced don’t do here in this post.