Seneca, who was wealthy, would set aside days to eat plainly and sleep rough, then ask himself, is this what I was so afraid of? He practiced a little discomfort on purpose so that real hardship, when it came, would find him ready. You do not need to suffer to grow. But choosing one small hard thing, the cold end of the shower, the walk you would rather skip, the honest conversation you keep avoiding, reminds you that you are sturdier than your comfort suggests. Discomfort you choose is different from discomfort that chooses you. It builds a quiet confidence: I can handle more than the easy version of my day would let me believe.

Inspired by the old idea of voluntary discomfort. Written by Ugo Charles.