I’m an introvert. I don’t like seeking out the help of others. I work best by myself.

Or so I told myself.

I am, in fact, an introvert – someone who largely becomes energized when alone. I also don’t always feel comfortable asking others to hold me accountable. However, I don’t work best by myself. When I intentionally put myself in an environment where I’m surrounded by people who care about my success, that’s when I perform at my best.

As I begin an apprenticeship at Praxis, I’m rediscovering for myself what I have always been told – I need to push out of my comfort zone. I’d lulled myself into believing that whatever felt right (read: caused the least discomfort) was the correct course of action.

I was wrong.

Discomfort is not a necessary evil. It’s a necessary good. It’s a signpost that tells us we’re making progress in our struggles towards a better life. Much like a lack of sawdust indicates that the sandpaper is dull and needs replacing, a lack of discomfort indicates that something about our motivation or direction needs adjusting.

Now, don’t hear what I’m not saying. I’m not saying that you should do things simply because they’re uncomfortable. Not all uncomfortable things are good, but know that all worthwhile goals will be uncomfortable at some point.

So here I am, putting myself in a position where my family can see my screen as I type this post. It feels embarrassing. I can feel my ego attempting to puff up in resentment, but then I remember. Here I am, getting things done. I’m setting habits of productivity that may last a lifetime, and the goals I’m striving for are more than worth an awkward feeling.

Here’s to more sawdust.