Why Chasing Comfort Will Never Get You to Your Dreams
Comfort is a tempting place to live. It’s safe, predictable, and easy. But if there’s one thing that I’ve learned on my creative journey, it’s that comfort zones are dream killers. Nothing extraordinary happens when you stay where things are easy. Every major step forward in my life has required a leap into the unknown, and while it hasn’t always been smooth, it’s been worth it 100% of the time.
Backpacking Thailand: where I first understood that staying comfortable means missing out on the extraordinary
I’m extremely grateful I’ve surrounded myself with a very supportive group of friends and family, these difficult decisions wouldn’t have been as easy without their reassurance. When I left a stable job as a home builder to pursue photography and videography full time, I’m sure people thought I was crazy. I was trading a secure paycheque for the unknown. But deep down, I knew I was outgrowing that role. I had a bigger vision, a desire to create something meaningful, something that would inspire others and allow me to tell powerful stories through my lens. I didn’t (and still don’t) know exactly how it would all unfold, but I know I had to take the chance. Chasing that vision meant embracing discomfort through, uncertainty, financial pressure, and moments of self doubt. But staying comfortable would have meant living with regret, always wondering, “what if?”.
Growth Takes Time
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that growth isn’t instantaneous. It’s a process that takes patience, persistence, and faith. I have no regrets about the path I’ve taken because I know this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. Every experience, even those outside of photography, has played a crucial role in shaping my journey. The skills I gained during my university years and the knowledge I developed while working in the home building industry have been integral to growing my current business. Whether it’s understanding project management, marketing strategies, or learning how to communicate effectively with clients, those past experiences laid the foundation for what I’m building today. Nothing has been wasted; everything has been preparation for what is to come.
Nature has a way of reminding us: growth is a process
Comfort vs. Growth
Growth demands discomfort. I’ve learned this firsthand through moments that stretched me beyond what felt safe. Moving to Toronto with no guarantees was one of those defining leaps. I didn’t know how things would unfold, but I knew I couldn’t stay where I was if I wanted to create a life aligned with my vision. Even putting myself out there, whether reaching out to new clients, sharing vulnerable content online, or navigating slow periods in my business, has forced me to confront discomfort head on.
There have been times of doubt, and that’s a natural human response when you’re pushing beyond familiar territory. Doubt isn’t a sign to stop, it’s a reminder that you’re venturing into new ground. I’ve found that short term discomfort often leads to long term rewards. Sometimes, that reward is landing a project that aligns perfectly with my creative vision; other times, it’s the personal growth that comes from persevering through uncertainty. Either way, staying comfortable would have kept me stagnant.
Choosing Faith over Fear
Fear thrives in comfort zones. Choosing faith means stepping out, trusting that there is more beyond what you can immediately see. It’s about believing in the process, even when the outcome is uncertain. I’ve learned that taking risks aligned with a greater purpose opens doors in ways you can’t always predict. Comfort may feel safe, but it keeps you still. Faith pushes you forward. It’s not always easy to trust that things will work out, but embracing uncertainty often leads to unexpected opportunities and growth. Sometimes, you just have to believe that the effort you’re putting in will lead you to where you’re meant to be, even if that path looks different from what you imagined.
Trust the journey, even when you can’t see where it leads
How to Embrace Discomfort
Reframe Fear: View fear as a sign that you are on the right track. If it scares you, it probably means growth is on the other side.
Set Goals That Challenge You: Your goals should push you beyond what feels comfortable. That is where real progress happens.
Take Small Leaps Daily: Discomfort doesn’t always require massive changes. Start with small risks; reaching out to a potential client, investing in a personal project, or sharing a new creative idea.
Remembering Your ‘Why’: Your purpose should outweigh your fear. Focus on the bigger picture and the long term vision you’re working toward.
Trust the Process: Believe that each step, even the uncertain ones, is part of something bigger and leading you toward growth.
Final Thoughts
Chasing comfort might feel good in the moment, but it won’t get you to where you truly want to be. Dreams require sacrifice, discomfort, and the willingness to take leaps of faith in yourself and your vision. If you want to live an extraordinary life, you can’t settle for ordinary choices. The path to something meaningful is paved with risks, challenges, and moments that stretch you beyond what you thought possible.
I don’t know exactly where this journey will take me, but I do know this: I’m committed to the process, to growing through discomfort, and to creating something that resonates. Every step, every risk, every moment of uncertainty, is part of the story that I am building. If you’re reading this, I hope it inspires you to take your own leap. Because the life you dream of isn’t found in comfort zones. It’s waiting just beyond them.
The next time you find yourself hesitating because it feels uncomfortable, remember: comfort zones are cozy, but nothing grows there. Step out. Take the leap. Your future self will thank you.
