Feeling Uncomfy? A Blueprint for Leveling Up

I worked with a coaching client the other day—a filmmaker deep into her latest project, pushing at her creative and professional edges. She was excited about the work, but the overwhelm had her feeling stuck, dissociated, unmotivated, and anxious. Sound familiar? Because I see this pattern all the time. When we’re leveling up—stepping into something bigger—it’s often uncomfortable. And that discomfort, if left unchecked, can trick us into retreating instead of rising.

So, we built her a list of things she can think, say and do when she's expanding her comfort zone - something she can revisit the next time she finds herself in that familiar, uneasy space. Instead of getting derailed, she can catch herself, disrupt old patterns, and move forward with intention. Her plan includes tools for her mind (choosing her self-talk, practicing affirmations), her words (asking for help—an essential emotional intelligence skill) and her actions (moving her body, taking strategic breaks).

The beauty of this plan? Each time she levels up, she’ll get better at navigating the discomfort that comes with growth. It won’t always be easy, but it will be familiar. And that familiarity is powerful. Because when we have a plan for how to support ourselves, we don’t have to fear the discomfort—we learn to work with it. What would your Level Up Plan include?

Latest Podcast Episode: Navigating the Discomfort of Dating with Cat Cantrill, The Scottsdale Matchmaker

xoxo

Cher