As a high-achieving woman, you’re no stranger to discomfort.
You’ve worked hard to build your business, have taken risks, and even scaled your business to reach major milestones.
But, it didn’t come without a cost.
You did what everyone else in the industry said to do: push harder, work more, sleep never.
So much so, that feeling discomfort has become the “norm” — and so has letting go of the things that matter most to you.
I’m here to tell you, it’s not normal.
Feeling discomfort is your mind and body’s way of telling you something, whether it’s to press harder down on the pedal or to ease up and take a break.
But, how can you tell the difference?
Read on to get familiar with the signs of discomfort and learn to know when and how to act based on what you’re feeling.
No time to read the full blog? Listen to the podcast episode instead!
When Discomfort is A Red Flag
As successful women in business, we often power through challenges, thinking that discomfort is just part of the journey. But some discomforts are not signals of growth—they’re warning signs.
Take one of my clients, for example:
Her business was doing great, but she felt stretched thin. Every waking moment was consumed by work, and family time became something she had to “fit in” to her work schedule.
She initially pushed the discomfort aside, thinking, This is just what success looks like. But it’s not. And once we dug into what was really going on, she realized the discomfort she felt wasn’t just a necessary part of growth—it was a red flag.
Here are a few key indicators that you may be ignoring red flags of discomfort: You’re constantly anxious
Anxiety is often brushed off as part of being busy, but living in a constant state of anxiety is your body’s way of telling you that something is off.
It can start to affect the mind, making it harder to make clear decisions and feeling so worried, it drains your energy and focus.
Sure, anxiety can also easily be reframed into excitement like when you’re about to get on a rollercoaster. Whereas, waking up dreading the day or feeling like there’s no time to breathe is a sure sign you need to reassess.
You’re not sleeping
Whether you have insomnia or you’re working so much that you can’t get at least 7 hours of sleep (aside from the newborn stage, of course!), this isn’t sustainable.“Sleep is something I can catch up on later,” is a common thought, but let me tell you — sleep deprivation is not a badge of honor. It takes a toll on your health and mental clarity.
If your nights are restless, or you’re lying awake thinking about work, this is a clear red flag that something needs to shift.
You’re overly stressed
Now, just like anxiety, not all stress is bad.
A great example of this is training. When we train in any sort of high intensity, we challenge our bodies and we challenge our bodies to adapt to that.
Prolonged stress, however, leads to physical issues like headaches, digestive problems, and more. When start to accept this stress as a necessary part of building a business.
You feel distant from your family
When you lose the joy in relationships, it’s often a sign of burnout or overwhelm.
When was the last time you were fully present with your loved ones?
The truth is, being physically there isn’t the same as being emotionally present. If you’re in the room but mentally at work, this disconnect is a sign that your boundaries between business and life need serious reworking.
You’ve lost your passion
You may still love your business, but if the day-to-day grind has drained your excitement, that’s a sign that the way you’re operating is unsustainable. You didn’t build this business to be in survival mode all the time.
While these are some of the biggest red flags I see with many of my own clients, they are certainly not the only ones. These can step into smaller discomforts we may not be paying attention to.
It’s time to make discomfort a topic of self-discovery and knowing when it’s negatively affecting you.
When Discomfort is A Sign of Growth
On the flip side, not all discomfort is a red flag.
Some discomfort is essential – it’s a sign that you’re stretching yourself, stepping into new leadership, and creating the space you desire in your life. This is the type of discomfort that comes from setting boundaries, delegating more, and permitting yourself to step away.
Recently, a client of mine came to me after completing my in-depth business assessment that private and mastermind clients fill out to get a full roadmap for their business. She admitted to avoiding filling it out for a while because she knew the questions would force her to face what she already knew – that she had to make changes.
Here’s how you know you’re experiencing the discomfort of growth:
You’re afraid of letting people down
Growth, in both business and life, often requires you to set boundaries that may disappoint others (AKA no longer always saying “yes” to everything).
This isn’t a sign to back down, though…it’s a sign you’re stepping into your role as a leader who prioritizes what truly matters.
Because, you know what?
You’re no longer available for every meeting. You’ve got kids to pick up from school and clients to get on calls with. You don’t have the capacity and that’s a GOOD thing. Your team may feel this shift, so be sure to communicate as you implement new boundaries and delegate tasks to them.
You’re questioning your perfectionism
For many of us, our businesses are our babies, and handing over responsibility feels risky. These tendencies tend to flare up when you’re making big changes in your business. You want everything to be perfect, or you’re worried about disappointing others.
But, Kelsea, “What if they don’t do it the way I would?”
This fear of letting go is common, but it’s also the nudge you need to step into the role of CEO, not just the doer of all things.
You feel the urge to procrastinate
This might seem counterintuitive, but procrastination is often your brain’s way of protecting you from discomfort. This can usually be seen as a burst of motivation when you decide to make a change and then hesitate when it’s time to act.
The tasks you’re putting off?
They are often the exact things you need to do to create the freedom you want. Whether it’s setting boundaries, delegating, or restructuring – Don’t let procrastination stop your progress.
What To Do With The Discomfort
The real challenge isn’t recognizing these two types of discomfort—it’s what you do about them
When you experience the discomfort of growth, it’s easy to slip back into old habits, especially when the fear of change feels overwhelming.
It requires repetition and consistency.
Pushing through the discomfort of change requires you to keep doing the hard things over and over until they become second nature. That means continuing to delegate even when it feels uncomfortable, setting boundaries even when it’s hard, and trusting that stepping back will actually move you forward.
Making Discomfort Part of Your Business Journey
So what is your discomfort telling you?
It’s a delicate balance to figure out, but by knowing the common red flags and with some consistency and repetition, you’ll be able to distinguish the difference. On the other side is a business and life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and successful — without sacrificing your wellbeing or your relationships.
Let’s work on getting you there. If you’re ready to make these changes, lean into the discomfort and grow into your fullest potential as a CEO, consider applying for The Freedom Collective. If you’re wondering if it’s the right fit for you, book a free Business Audit to chat with me about all things goals, business and the life you crave.
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