I was working with a group of seasoned leaders recently, and a familiar theme emerged. Time and again, many admitted they didn’t feel comfortable or confident as they faced rapid disruption in their organizations. Despite years of experience, they were questioning their abilities and wondering if they still had what it takes. What they were really wrestling with was adaptability—the essential leadership skill for navigating change and uncertainty today.
If your yardstick for success is, “Do I feel comfortable?” you’ll fall short in today’s world. Comfort is no longer the standard. In fact, it’s a sign you’re probably not stretching far enough.
According to the World Economic Forum, between 400 million and 800 million jobs worldwide could be displaced by automation by 2030. Entire industries are being reinvented. Change is accelerating. The leaders who thrive won’t be the ones who cling to comfort, they’ll be the ones who learn how to navigate discomfort with intention.
I know this lesson personally. Since November 2023, I’ve done nearly 700 cold dips in Lake Ontario. Year-round. And let me tell you: it’s always uncomfortable. The water never feels inviting. Getting out of a cold lake when it’s -25C with the wind chill is definitely not comfortable. But at some point, I realized my criteria couldn’t be, “Am I comfortable with this?” or else I would never go in the water. Instead, I shifted the question to, “How can I be in the cold water?”
That mindset shift changed everything. I focused on what I could control—using my breath to regulate my nervous system, soaking in the horizon and natural beauty around me, finding a dipping community for encouragement, and celebrating each win along the way.
The cold water hasn’t gotten warmer (except in summer months, of course), but I’ve gotten better at being in it. That’s the kind of shift leaders need right now.
Adaptability Starts With Normalizing Discomfort
Discomfort isn’t a red flag, it’s a signal you’re stretching. Anything outside your past experience will naturally feel uneasy. Don’t make it mean something about your competence. Recognize you’re just in the arena where adaptability and courage are required.
When discomfort shows up, acknowledge it as part of the new normal. This is how growth and relevance happen. It’s a great message to share especially when you’re responsible for leading and inspiring your team.
Leadership in Change Means Focusing on Small Wins
When you’re staring at the horizon, the distance can feel overwhelming. “How will I ever get there?” is the question that stalls progress. The antidote is to zoom into the present moment.
Ask yourself: “What is one small action I can take today?” For me, in cold water, it meant focusing on the next breath. For leaders, it might mean reflecting on what did work well today, learning one new tool, or having one candid conversation. The way through discomfort is step by step.
Building Resilience Requires Healthy Release Valves
Left unchecked, pressure builds like a pot boiling over. Anxiety and uncertainty work the same way. You can’t “think” your way out of it.
Instead, find yourself a healthy and constructive outlet. That might mean journaling to see your worries more objectively, creating a pros-and-cons list for perspective, or talking an issue through with a trusted colleague. Supporting your body through movement, time in nature, and sleep are powerful reset buttons that allow you to return stronger.
The reality is clear: disruption isn’t slowing down. AI, automation, and market shifts will keep pushing leaders into uncharted waters. You can’t wait until you “feel comfortable” to move forward.
The question isn’t “Am I comfortable?” The question is, “How can I work with the discomfort in front of me?”
That’s where resilience builds, adaptability sharpens, and growth becomes possible. I’ve learned through experience, the cold water doesn’t get warmer. But you get stronger in it.
If you’d like support with leadership within your organization or team, let’s connect to explore whether the Adaptive Advantage (™) program or Level Up Leadership executive coaching program can help!”
