THE POWER OF DISCOMFORT: EMBRACING VITM (VOMIT-IN-THE-MOUTH) ACTION
KEY TAKEAWAY: VITM (Vomit In The Mouth) moments, while often terrifying, are opportunities for growth. By embracing these uncomfortable situations, you can unlock more of yourself, your potential, and your capabilities. You can connect with what may be more meaningful to you while discovering a more empowered version of yourself that doesn’t just make a difference in your world but the world at large. Scroll down to the TAKE ACTION section for this week’s actionable steps.
I just recently did something professionally that made me not just step but leap out of my comfort zone. And guess what? It felt great!
That is, it felt great AFTER the fact. Because before it? It was downright scary.
It’s like a very scary roller coaster ride. Before it, you feel a bit queasy. Thoughts are going through your head like, “Why in the hell am I doing this to myself?” You get to the front of the line. You’re next. You feel like you’re going to throw up. Or bolt.
(And some of us do. We get stuck in our fear, self-doubt, and imagined scenarios of all the bad things that could happen to us and what people would say or think. We don’t follow through. We find wonderful, seemingly logical reasons—AKA excuses—why we shouldn’t go forward, or we tell ourselves we’ll postpone it until we’re better prepared, which we never feel we are.)
But you don’t bolt.
You go on the ride.
Your stomach does flips.
It does flops.
Your heart is in your mouth.
Then, it drops to your toes.
And then?
The ride ends. It’s over, and you’ve survived! It’s a thrilling feeling. You’re thinking, “Hey, let’s do that again!”
(Or not. But you could if you had to. Just maybe not right away.)
The VITM Feeling
A teacher of mine called it a VITM—Vomit In The Mouth—action. Because that is what it’s like. Taking action that puts us that much on the edge or outside of our comfort zone that we’re experiencing a VITM feeling.
We’re a bit shaken. We’re not feeling all that great, even a bit nauseous. We may feel excited, yet also scared. We may experience fear, self-doubt, second thoughts, reservations, a desire to escape, all of the above, or more.
Terrifying before the fact.
Thrilling after it.
(Or at least a feeling of relief because even if it didn’t go as well as we wanted it to —perfectionism, anyone?—part of us is thinking, “Hey, I survived!”)
You are not alone.
We all experience this.
It’s not a matter of IF; it’s just the WHAT that causes it that varies between us.
Not only that, but:
The more it matters to us, the more VITM-y it feels.
And that’s a good thing. Because when we care about something—when we’re pushing the boundaries of our comfort zone—we’re doing it for a reason that means something to us. We’re often doing it because we believe it will mean something to someone else, too.
That’s important because it gives our lives and how we spend our time, energy, and resources meaning—a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Tara Mohr, author of Playing Big and whose tools I use in my work, says, “All substantive work invites criticism.” I would add that “All substantive work invites a VITM feeling.”
In fact, I would suggest that if you are feeling a bit VITM-y about some upcoming push-the-comfort-zone-boundaries event or challenge at work, then you’re probably on the right track.
That VITM feeling can be an insightful inner compass for knowing you are on the right track and are doing substantive work—work meaningful to you—however you define that for yourself.
And when you come out on the other side of it—when you’ve met that VITM event face-on and survived—a wonderful feeling replaces the VITM sensation:
A sense of empowerment.
That great feeling doesn’t come when we are playing it safe inside our comfort zone. That is not where magic is made. This is:
Embracing the VITM
So, if you’re facing or wanting to do something substantive that is pushing your comfort zone, take a deep breath. Know you’re not alone. Know you will survive. You will.
And not just that: Like exercise, you’ll never regret you’ve done it because even if you do have some soreness afterward, with it comes power.
The power to do it or something similarly VITM-y, again and again and again. And with greater ease. And knowledge. And insight. And a sense of empowerment.
Which I am planning to do. I’m planning more VITM events. In fact, I have a few VITM events lined up this year. Will I be scared? You bet. But my fear is nothing compared to my desire to do the work that is meaningful to me.
Your Turn to Shine
What about you?
What meaningful action is calling you?
What VITM action will it take to realize it?
I know it’s scary. I know it’s not easy. But I promise you, it’s worth it.
You are unique with unique gifts and purpose. It’s time to share them and do what only you can do.
So, stop procrastinating and embrace the VITM step that will get you playing bigger in your life. Whether it’s starting that business you’ve been dreaming of, going for that promotion, or finally writing that book, your VITM moment is waiting.
And here’s a little secret:
The world needs your VITM moments.
It needs your courage, your ideas, your unique perspective. By pushing through your comfort zone, you’re not just changing your own life; you’re potentially changing the world around you.
So, take a deep breath, feel the fear, and do it anyway. Your future self will thank you, and who knows? You might just inspire someone else to embrace her own VITM moments.
Remember: On the other side of VITM is growth, empowerment, and a version of you that you’ve always known you could be. It’s time to meet her.
What will your next VITM moment be?
TAKE ACTION:
Help yourself enjoy the magic that an exercise habit can create in your life by doing what helps you to establish and sustain a lifestyle of movement.
- Do What You Will Do: Do what fits you. Think about the physical activities you’d enjoy and be more willing to show up for consistently. Consider what best fits you in terms of location, schedule, equipment, fitness level, accessibility, and convenience. Think about what you would be most comfortable doing.
- Make It Routine: Make exercise a part of your daily routine. Exercising in the morning can help you make it a routine; not only does it get done, but it also starts you and the day off on the right foot.
- Just Fit It In: Fit movement into your life by being flexible about what and how much you do. Be willing to adjust to changing life situations and schedules. Break down your planned exercise into doable pieces if you can’t do it all in the same period. Be prepared with the right clothes and other equipment to take advantage of opportunities for exercise.
IMPORTANT: The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding the topics discussed here as the topics discussed are based on general principles and may not be applicable to every individual.
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