​

Hey Reader!

I woke up this morning, and as soon as I stepped outside, the cold hit me like a brick wall. It was dark, I was tired, and all I could think was, “I don’t want to do this today.” I get it. Some days, it feels easier to just stay cozy inside, ignore the world, and not face whatever’s out there. But I’ve learned something over the years: it’s those very moments of discomfort that hold the key to growth.

And it got me thinking...

How often do I try to avoid discomfort? How many times do I put off tough decisions, skip a workout, or let my frustration win when things get hard? It’s easy to find reasons to retreat, to take the path of least resistance. But here’s what I’ve realized: some of the best growth I’ve ever experienced came from pushing through discomfort.

Think back to a time when you pushed through something tough. Maybe it was a difficult practice, a tough conversation, or a personal setback. How did you feel afterward? Chances are, you felt stronger, more resilient, and more capable than you did before.

The same applies to sports, coaching, and life in general. We know that progress doesn’t happen when everything is easy; it happens when we’re challenged, when we’re uncomfortable. Whether it’s a tough drill, a long season, or the pressure of competition, discomfort is a sign we’re pushing our limits. It’s not a reason to stop—it’s a reason to keep going.

I get it. It’s tempting to want the easy way out, to skip the hard work or the uncomfortable moments. But what if we could start seeing discomfort as something that helps us grow, rather than something to avoid? The more we embrace those tough moments, the stronger we become—physically and mentally. The next time you face something uncomfortable, ask yourself: What can I learn from this? How can I grow from this experience?

Because that’s where the magic happens. Growth isn’t about avoiding discomfort. It’s about pushing through it, learning from it, and coming out the other side better for it.

I talked about this idea in a recent episode of The MentalCast with Trevor Ragan of Train Ugly. In the episode, we dive into how embracing discomfort can be one of the most powerful tools for growth. Trevor shares insights about developing a growth mindset and how to reframe challenges as opportunities instead of obstacles. If you haven’t had a chance to listen, I encourage you to check out Season 2 - Episode 01: Trevor Ragan here. We go deep into how to build mental resilience and create environments that foster real, lasting growth.

The truth is, it’s not the discomfort that’s the problem—it’s how we react to it. If we let discomfort control us, it can stop us from reaching our full potential. But when we start seeing it as an opportunity to rise to the challenge, that’s when we unlock something special.

Whether you’re a coach, an athlete, or a parent, we all face those moments when we’d rather step back than keep going. But it’s in those moments of struggle that we discover our true strength. It’s not about avoiding discomfort; it’s about learning how to handle it, using it to push us forward.

So, the next time you’re standing at the door, staring into the cold night, remember: discomfort isn’t your enemy. It’s the signal that growth is just on the other side. And all you have to do is take that first step.

Until next time, remember:

#DontSuck. And the choice between comfort and growth is always yours to make.

~Dan

​

For more resources such as blogs, vlogs, and upcoming webinars, visit DanMickle.com.

Also, visit MentalCast.com for the latest episode of The MentalCast podcast.

Here is the fine print..

​

Holy cow, you are actually reading the fine print on this email. You must be very meticulous, or you want me to stop sending you things. I really hope it is not the latter, but if it is, I will respect that. I will cry—a lot. But I will respect that. The links you are looking for are below (and not in white font).
​
This email was sent to: Reader

If you were forwarded this email and like me, you can subscribe here.

If you want to dance and have a song stuck in your head all day, click here.
​
​Unsubscribe · Preferences · Privacy

IGMT by Dan Mickle and 717 Soul, LLC | 185 Newberry Commons #298, Etters PA 17070 USA