Why comfort will ruin your life | Bill Eckstrom | TEDxUniversityofNevada

After documenting and researching over 50,000 coaching interactions in the workplace, Bill Eckstrom shares life-altering, personal and professional development ideas through the introduction of the “Growth Rings.” The rings illustrate how dangerous it can be to remain in a state of comfort and how being in discomfort is the only way to sustain growth. You’ll be amazed at the world-changing outcomes discomfort can have on your life and the lives of others.
Bill Eckstrom is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, outdoorsman and father of three. With a passion deeply rooted in growth and development, Bill has always been fascinated by the role a coach has on the performance of individuals and teams. As a result, he founded the EcSell Institute whose sole focus is to educate, track and measure coaching effectiveness for leaders within organizations around the world. This has led to hundreds of keynotes, published articles and e-books created from the research and documentation of coaching interactions and outcomes. You can learn more about the EcSell Institute here: www.ecsellinstitute.com/
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@fabiorachid3430]

I think there's a missing ingredient there: *purpose* . If you're just randomly making yourself uncomfortable, sure, you might grow, but you're likely to give up or go back to a deeper state of order/comfort than you were before. But getting yourself into discomfort *because* of something that actually matters to you, than you'll push through it. In Nietzsche's words, "He who was a why can bear almost any how". Think of soldiers facing probably death going to battle because they have the high purpose of defending their country, their family and friends. Does most doctors in the middle of the pandemic are out there in total discomfort just because it may bring them growth? No, they are doing it *to save lives* , the highest person a human being can have. Such high purpose is the only way for them to go risk their lives every day to take care of their patients. My biggest problem with TEDs like these is that they often leave out the details, the nuisance, the complexity of life and of human beings. The TED almost makes it sound like you should be throwing yourself into discomfort at all times, regardless of what, and that it's not too bad if you have breakdowns like his daughter, but it is bad. Growth and discomfort, specially if stimulated by other people, *must be made in a relationship with trust*, otherwise the person might feel bullied and even give up (chaos). Also: you don't have to be in discomfort all the time and in all ranges of your life. It's ok to feel comfortable and safe in some, and it's ok if you are so discomfortable that you had to take a step back, feel comfortable so you can try again. We are each complex and deep so there's no formula and equation that will fit everyone. 5 rings can't even begin to describe everything involved in growth. Put a certain amount of pressure on coal and it will make a diamond, but put too much pressure on the structure of a building and it will fall down. Life is just like that - there is no ready formula for it, each situation and individual require a different, perhaps unique approach. That's why it's hard for me to get into self-help: 99% of the time it lacks or purposely hides the complexity involved in life and in human beings. And I know TED talks aren't meant to last an hour but hey the lecturers could explicitly show that the subject has way more levels and degrees than what is being shown.

[@tripnotico]

Couldn't agree more with you! Thanx for sharing your thoughts

[@applepeel1662]

My main problem with traditional self help systems is that it always feels a little pretentious. At least I feel like that

[@alfredogoudet1162]

Absolutely. One piece of wisdom might give you a new view of things, but true change comes when one embraces the full journey of his/her life (which in and by itself is complex) and implements as much insights and strategies as possible; also through digging really deep into oneself. At least, and hopefully, what you learn in talks like these will help you understand your life faster than you would yourself, but in the end, the COMPLEX journey of life is yours to take, and some answers only you will be able to find.

[@fabiorachid3430]

@@w4rooster514 Thank you for the suggestion, I'll check out the book and podcast!

[@w4rooster514]

@@fabiorachid3430 cool! If you remember this thread, come back and tell me what you think about it! It’s changed my life!

[@navrajvir]

I've built this new habit of reading comments after watching every video on KZbin because I get amazed by the creativity and humour people around the globe pour into these comments.

[@evavranici7645]

The best part of videos are its comments' gems haha

[@navrajvir]

@@evavranici7645 true

[@praneshepicmindsets]

It was engineered to become a habit for us all. It was supposed to be addictive not only scrolling through videos but also scrolling through the comments. Stop spending more time on comments. I know our mind is curious and it wants others perspective and want to share its own view. But this is what is being utilised for us to hooked to this app longer. We need to be more mindful than ever. Good day.

[@dad4378]

@@praneshepicmindsets thank you.

[@dad4378]

@@praneshepicmindsets sir are you Indian?

[@graysonskweres6021]

My favorite quote ever is from a book called The Prophet. "The lust for comfort murders the passion of the soul, then walks grinning in the funeral."

[@zohaibs761]

Wow. Who is the author of this book?

[@johnmchugh1218]

@@zohaibs761 - Kahlil Gibran

[@christianjardin3110]

Great quote

[@christianjardin3110]

Amazing quote. Thank you

[@vwd3781]

Just like Satan our enemy who lures you to sin, then laughs at you when you do it.

[@ImGoingSupersonic]

Need cloudy days to appreciate the sunshine.

[@armartin0003]

You need order and disorder. Comfort and discomfort. Too much of either is a bad thing.

[@dialymail8513]

Adam Martin Yep completely agree with that, BALANCE between both is th key

[@jul9cuz]

So a well managed balanced life? Sounds like sage advice.

[@NetSkillNavigator]

u need to undergo discomfort for u to achieve comfortable lyf..

[@Sofie424]

Good point, Mary. Also, some comfortable things lead to discomfort. We need to consider both the current and future effects of our actions.

[@koranamudrovcic6603]

From what this video says, you need 3/4 of discomfort. That's the point.

[@fearlessandfar]

Hit the gym hard, eat the chili sauce, say hi to new people, and as Michael said, take cold shower. You can find discomfort in everyday. Powering through it changes your life. Great talk Bill Eckstrom. I'll watch this again!

[@mism847]

Will this really make you happier, or is this simply just suffering and pain disguised as happiness?

[@applesauce_0743]

@@mism847 the ability to push through the temporary pain teaches us more about ourselves than we could ever know from sitting in our proverbial easy chairs all our lives.

[@bradyfrazee4316]

@@mism847 Life is about how much pain one can endure. It can make you happy though. Going to the gym isn't comfortable but being healthy and looking good feels amazing.

[@jojo-fj7lw]

Uhm sir, chili sauce is my guilty pleasure smh

[@mcbueno9602]

Jii

[@daveclow74]

I quit my safe job of 11 years, 1 week after getting the keys to our new house and whilst my wife was 5 months pregnant. That was uncomfortable, I questioned my own sanity many times. I left the safety zone to start my own business and it was the best thing I've ever done, a pivatol point in our lives. Ask yourself how safe your 'safe job' is when your boss can end it all tomorrow....

[@daveclow74]

@The Keene Team thanks very much, I hope things go well for you too. It's great to have support at home, the unsung heroes. I don't think you'll regret the decision to carry on with your business. The rewards will be far greater. It's only the beginning for you, too!

[@daveclow74]

@@alessandroraso4951 bicycles!

[@jeanlandais4516]

I feel like I needed to hear this too, thank you

[@unknown31203]

I need this at this moment

[@krutikatti7933]

I really needed to hear this today, thank you!

[@ethanbrunt7755]

The greatest explanation of this quote: “get comfortable being uncomfortable”

[@unit56productions]

Super Short Version: No pain, no gain.

[@intelligenceislikecommonse6263]

wildpartypeople everybody wants sunshine no body wants rain but you can't have a rainbow without a little rain

[@praketak47]

not super short version, super short biased version. Pain is pain.I think Discomfort is a lighter word. Discomfort is painfull for "many" people, it can contain a situation in which a person can attain understanding nature towards something, etc. Its ok man, no hard feelings but u took a "comfort" way of saying things. Discomfort is better word then pain. Period. If u want to give a better word, u r welcome. I wish u had discomforted urself atleast in the video that talks about discomfort. If what i said is wrong, correct me atleast in this video. I welcome it.

[@hybby]

wildpartypeople thanks for saving me 12 and a half minutes

[@steve5123456789]

Or chronic stress.

[@theultimatereductionist7592]

Then you have no business ridiculing ANYONE for being violent (so-called "criminals", "terrorists", protestors). Infinite hypocrisy lecturing to somebody that they should put up with physical pain, discomfort, violence but then ridiculing protesters who justified in violently overthrowing unjust governments.

[@doubleplusgoodful]

"The world promises you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness." - Josef Ratzinger

[@themacocko6311]

Ego food 👎

[@jesuschristislord7754]

We were made for survival open world gameplay.

[@uraniumjoe]

@Elliot Rodger by "world", he meant civilization and the comforts society pushes, not "planet"

[@Kiery112]

Facts!

[@bendover2684]

God is this cringey

[@voynich7119]

Lately I have been feeling like the "comfortable life", meaning sitting at home playing video games, watching KZbin, eating whatever I feel like at the moment, etc. has made me actually sad. I hate it. I hate standing still. It's the absolute worst. I need need noise, I need unpredictability, I need stuff happening. I need to just yeet myself out of my confort zone to be actually comfortable in my life.

[@mya632]

I agree with you. I love spontaneity. I hate routines because knowing what I'm going to be doing on a day to day basis is so boring. I too have been sitting at home watching TV and eating a lot of food, yet I'm unmotivated. The sitting has taken a toll on me not just physically, but mentally.

[@aytakgh5634]

Same 👌

[@timsheen1158]

It takes a lot of courage, but I feel the same

[@emad5406]

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"

[@faustin289]

You'll never feel comfortable sitting at home watching tv if you know the landlord will knock at the door and evict you anytime

[@SystematicImbaPh]

Watching this during my break while I'm about to get fired. Feels good!!!

[@c-fin]

Wow. This really set things straight for me. We can only reach our full potential by engaging in discomfort. I'm 18 and this is what I needed to hear before entering the world as an adult.

[@top1percent424]

Connor Finerty It's not easy. There will be times when you'll want to quit and get back to being _comfortable_. Don't quit. I'm 21 and I've only known this for may be 1 year or so.

[@cuscof2]

You're young enough to take some big risks, and haven't yet accumulated enough stuff/social standing/emotional attachments/etc. to make it really difficult to step out of line. After high school I left the town where I grew up, worked as a theatre techie for a couple of years, lived with a bunch of hippies, hitchhiked across the country, and went to Peru. I had essentially no money, working mostly for minimum wage and sharing space with other people, and had an incredible time. I can't recommend this strongly enough; **GO HAVE ADVENTURES!!** The people who I knew that stayed in that northern Michigan town and did the safe thing? They're boring, stifled, unimaginative and unable to adapt to change. What you do now will make a difference in how you live the entire rest of your life, don't miss the chance!

[@c-fin]

Thanks for the replies.

[@sineadtbc3338]

+Connor Finerty Look up but look around you too

[@danpt2000]

Haah!! I graduated college in May 2001. I always knew life was tough. What kept me going was the desire to be financially independent. Yes, I wanted money. now that I have it, its like... ehhh... if I lose it, won't be all that big deal, can still make more.

[@mike4ty4]

Discomfort vs comfort -- the real trick is not so much which one as how you _react_ to them. Discomfort can either be reacted to as a motivator, or you can become fearful and withdraw into depression, timidity, or neuroticism. Comfort can either be reacted to with complacency, or you can take charge of the happiness it provides to be productive with a clear head and peace.

[@arafatrasool83]

mike4ty4 wow , that so true, comfort need not necessarily be bad

[@TheIllusionguy]

Its a true test if you can battle out the depression, and the hurricanes that set to ruin your life. Then you emerge as a strong individual, who has survived a storm, just how a sunny day and clear sky awaits you after a hurricane. That is comfort earned through discomfort, and its a cycle.

[@k.rlevine2051]

Exactly, the point is missed when "people" think he is advocating "discomfort": He is advocating reaching your full potential in life by changing and growing...

[@jstnhnh]

Agree 100%

[@LILHOMIECOOLKID]

Well said

[@ZaWrldo]

One of my favorite KZbinrs tweeted this and it hit me. "There is no comfort in growth and there is no growth in comfort"

[@Machin33lf]

“Comfort will ruin ur life” Mattress company’s: -_-

[@PhantomXVoice]

😆

[@syahmirga]

bruh lmao

[@annenamwanda8021]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nubtube2868]

Sponsored by Helix Mattresses

[@anwarmakki7563]

😂

[@AS-lu7gm]

i'm watching this video while comfortably laying in bed and eating some chips

[@JaydenLawson]

lol I'm in bed about to snooze zzzzzz

[@drummerschild6487]

thank you for the realness

[@MissOryxxx]

omg me too !!

[@shankarvaraprasad6806]

Man comfort mean not just watching this video :)

[@toshirotobgay6984]

LOL

[@donaldwilson3579]

Well thank God I was born with General Anxiety Disorder & hypochondria. Haven't been comfortable once in 23 years ...

[@justafighter1346]

Hypochrondia is pain bleeding right?

[@AlessandroMarcolin]

that's too much of a good thing then

[@norway963]

0

[@armpap1]

You seem to be in chaos ring.

[@MsCristina38]

I agree, you seem to be in the Chaos ring.

[@echidnuttt9326]

I'm really amazed by how people assume that all We want is success, money, etc. Some people would rather go fishing on a Sunday than have meetings.

[@DP-yw4vk]

His advice doesnt necessarily only apply to careers. You can choose to apply it to whatever aspects of your life. Want to ask out that girl? Youve got to face the discomfort of making the first move and confront fear of rejection. You want better physical health? Youve got to face the discomfort of your muscles burning when exercising. Want to learn a language? Youve got to face the discomfort of speaking it out loud. We must all take the time to fish or enjoy a sunday roast, but if thats all A person did in life... boy what an uneventful story that would be

[@bunsenn5064]

@@DP-yw4vk But then again, some people don’t want eventful lives, so…

[@user-gb7sp2ic4q]

@@DP-yw4vk Согласен с Вами

[@chillo5687]

The thing most “hustlers” don’t realize is that you don’t have to be working 24/7. If you did you would be the most uninteresting and boring person to be around since you’re constantly working. You have to have time to RELAX. And that’s OK. We’re all human and taking an hour to relax isn’t going to kill your chances for success, only mad people think otherwise.

[@slifer4912]

That's not what people came to hear.

[@azizhamid6480]

That's a defeatist mindset. You want to relax, relax. But dont complain about successful people then.

[@Hari-bz1mh]

@@azizhamid6480 No that's not a defeatist mindset. Learning comes from all forms. If my idea of working an hour less and using that to relax is to hear some new classical music, I'm learning. Successful people do relax, the difference between them and you is they know how to manage time better.

[@TheMusicLauncher]

@@azizhamid6480 your favorit football stars do breaks, your president is doing breaks etc. But breaks do mean that you did work before!!

[@saksham9170]

Lol relaxation is so important it's funny why people don't realise that

[@Da1RiSiN1sMoKe]

This is why I hate living in a small town. Everyone and everybody is bent on routines, taking the safe route, and driving in the slow lane. Any sort of attempt to take risks or to work hard to achieve your dreams a bit faster is viewed as cutting corners and being reckless. It's not the environment for someone that wants to better themselves. It's like Office Space for blue collar workers. You can make a decent living, but it's a dense and small fish bowl.

[@dbsk06]

Jakub Rosman you should get out then. Go to college out of stars

[@dbsk06]

State

[@josyangelyislanda118]

There's nothing wrong with that... People have different ways of being happy, not everyone one wants to be the wolf of wall street

[@joshuaallen8982]

@Jakub I understand your mentality. I escaped my small town to live in one of the most populated states. I can tell you personally these people are cut throat and miserable. The ones who aren't are business psychopaths and feel nothing at all. No body trusts or helps one another. The opportunities are plenty here. I have had amazing experiences and my eyes have been opened up to a new world. But I also realized it's foolish to think the grass is greener. I would like to find a place that is somewhere between small town and urban living. Because both have their pluses. Life is about finding out what truly makes you happy. What makes this hard is comparison. Comparison to who we think we should be. Comparison to who the world thinks we should be. Comparison of ourselves to other people. Find out what brings you happiness.

[@jul9cuz]

You just described humanity in general. Keep dancing Jakub.

[@aidenpethick6871]

*“You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.”*

[@ninijohannaq]

If you are happy with your life why should you change it?

[@jamemule5326]

​@@ninijohannaqi don't know

[@thattannerguy856]

Discomfort: lifting weights Growth: bigger muscles

[@mitch7094]

Discomfort: gets cancer Growth: tumor

[@fallenhero1338]

Mitch Conner This made me laugh out loud.

[@user-qf6uu8kr4w]

no pain no gain, as the -coach- doctor says

[@charles4372]

Lifting weights is easy try calisthenics :)

[@VergilPeterson]

@@user-qf6uu8kr4w I hope that was a reference to Greg Doucette lol

[@haotang2638]

I can’t believe that being fired is the most discomfort he ever experienced- what a privilege

[@scottrulez7916]

Yes, people have had it worse but that doesn't diminish his own experience as less valid than theirs. If that's what you're implying. Discomfort is universal and shouldn't be gatekept.

[@CassandraBankson]

The most uncomfortable thing I've ever done, was take off my makeup and post the video on the internet, baring my acne to the world. It could ruin my career as a model. It stripped away a shield of image and my safety. It made me feel emotionally naked. And it was the catalyst to loving myself without makeup, and spreading the message of inner and outer beauty on my KZbin channel today. Being uncomfortable was the best thing that's ever happened to me.

[@bhataktiatma1080]

I that acne video was so inspiring. I came to know about you after that video went viral

[@stevenrix7277]

oh yes I remember that video

[@whateverthefuckiwant4289]

Late, i know, but i just need to add that as a plus you helped thousands of people ❤ Your toughness paid off in every way and I salute you for having the guts

[@craigjames8026]

Guys have to go through life without makeup and then prepare for losing their hair in later life. You've got it easy...

[@breght9881]

I subscribed to your channel...I don't regret it!

[@KalpeshMange92]

Applauded alone in my room to this. THIS is what we need. Growth.

[@Ecsellinstitute]

I’m glad you enjoyed Bill’s TEDx Talk. Many have shared their #OutOfOrder stories in this Facebook Group. You can join here: (facebook.com/groups/TEDOutOfOrder/)

[@mikebee6633]

I did the same as well :)

[@jonathancarlospina1838]

same here

[@evaalordiahmusic]

I cried and applauding as i type this. no when im done typing

[@aalnouk]

OH GOD, I DID THE SAME!

[@spacegirl7290]

His speech makes me to read more because when you read , you're actually challenging your comfortable mindset and that will certainly lead you to grow

[@MajorPayne175]

It's amazing how reading will open your mind to new ideas. They just come to you.

[@explorewithCK]

"what makes you comfortable can ruin you, and only in a state of discomfort can you continually grow"

[@davidwalmsley5941]

This is essentially Nietzsche: " That which does not kill us makes us stronger"

[@brant7173]

Without fear of death, nothing is complex. When you have nothing to lose, chaos becomes order.

[@arun.m0007]

Brant awesome man that is so true

[@brant7173]

MorTobXD people only try to predict the future out of self defense. Without fear of death, there's no need to predict the future, thus everything that happens in the future is all very much in the realm of expectation from the perspective of he who fears not.

[@FocusMrbjarke]

If you don't fear anything you probably can't grow much

[@ragnarlothbrok3849]

+Brant chaos isn't a pit, chaos is a ladder... :D

[@djasks2950]

Brant that seems like one of the worse orders. What if someone damaged their muscles every time they worked out? Theyre trying to grow the muscle but end up stunting it.

[@nobody9621]

Listening to ted-talks is like having a real friend that is willing to share his/ her stories to us, whenever we feel down

[@LessonsInLife]

You will become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Then you will stop fearing discomfort and you will open yourself up to some positive changes in your life. ;)

[@lowkeytarr6509]

🙏.

[@asiddiqi123]

Recursion.

[@SirLoochie444]

Amen 😌

[@olive4naito]

Or you become uncomfortable with being comfortable. Regular mental stimulation is craved.

[@jamespurcell548]

where does it end?

[@mabururozu5954]

This man knows how to make a simple topic sound extremely complex.

[@curious_one1156]

Nope. He rather tried to make us accept it.

[@dt28469]

getting out of my confort zone has become a mantra for me! life changing desicion.

[@maxtamang9028]

what diff things did you start to do?

[@familyontheway3300]

Whom so ever watching this video, I wish you health, wealth and lot of happiness to you from the bottom of my heart.

[@zainhummamy4272]

Incredible talk

[@redneck_adjacent]

Cold showers.

[@Zandertheduck]

They are great!! So invigorating! Except I start warm and then turn it cold.

[@nimimerkillinen]

wim hof method

[@cinnamanstera6388]

lasy rabbit actually has a heck of a lot of health benefits, outside of the mental strengthening.

[@katrinasoltero6872]

Pastor Guzik

[@sexybeast7728]

You use willpower only at the begining when you try to make it your habit. But once you succeed in making cold showers your routine (which happens pretty fast) it takes as much willpower as normal shower.

[@PhoenixCrown]

Thanks Bill! Discomfort was forced on me when I was pushed out of my first job after 2 years. After 3 more jobs, I also realized I'm a bad employee... so I triggered discomfort myself and started my own accounting firm. Now, I help small businesses with their bookkeeping and financial advising and am much happier (though maybe not more comfortable)!

[@anuragjain464]

Hello phoenix, i am an CPA pursuing student, if you have any virtual internship please let me know.

[@oniichan7520]

yoww can you help me with your bookkeeping ? i wanted to learn

[@mehmet_albayrak_offa]

Thanks for sharing your story of getting out of comfort zone.

[@roons2424]

Boy I can tell by his circumference he still rolls in a lot of comfort

[@SlayPlenty]

He has to deal with much more stress than any employee when running a company.

[@jeffdouglascreates]

That Bus Story. Awesome and you said Jesus. Amen.

[@arsenioseslpodcast3143]

Born and raised in Las Vegas, I show no bias whatsoever to what he said. Comfortability is what's dooming the entire American population. Too many people are comfortable with mediocrity. People are going to work DYING (as Les Brown says) because they're not happy with their job. I have a minor in dental assisting, having worked in two different countries (America and Australia) for three years and realized that I was confined to not even a fraction of my true capabilities. I realized that I can do so much more, so I moved to Thailand (thinking this was one of the friendliest societies on Earth), and I was welcomed by heinous racism. For four years, I've woken up in a society which I am uncomfortable because the looks I get from Thai people. However, the book that I'm writing, the podcast I have, the blogs I write has people tuned in from as far down south as Argentina, across the pacific into Pretoria, South Africa, all the way north as far as Finland and even countries such as Iran, Syria, Israel and others. When you become comfortable with being uncomfortable, you now have a story. A story that could inspire tens of thousands around the world.

[@Javvaska]

Arsenio Buck welp Israel is not a country btw

[@arsenioseslpodcast3143]

People call it the "state of Israel" or a country. It's primarily a country. Nice try though.

[@ajacoryell]

Arsenio Buck good stuff friend

[@faa1412]

Are you sure the looks weren't out of curiosity?

[@ms2506]

A Matt- Well I've been to Thailand and I can vouch for what Buck's saying. Thailand is one of the highest visited place in the world so not sure what makes them that curious.

[@jupiterscorner5423]

UPdated: I watched this months ago before I moved out and now I moved away across the country escaping my toxic father and I have grown as a person

[@parthsalat]

The confidence with which he speaks is simply fantastic.

[@tristandrew5903]

Yes it makes puts me in great comfort

[@Mmvexxx]

ive been pushed to my discomfort zone. my dad was diagnosed with ALS about 6 months ago. my gf walked out on my two months after. my life is in chaos at the moment trying to pull it together. but it has had its silver lining. ive become stronger in my faith and it has really center my priorities again. im trying to enjoy the time i have left with my father and also at the same time see where i can bring the most value to people with the gift God has given me

[@PatrickDehm777]

If you don't want comfort, all you need to do is try to teach in an inner city school in America. This guy clearly never attempted such a thing. Low wages, lots of disrespect and certainly lots of discomfort. Those 30 year Veteran inner city math teachers must be a skyscraper of growth.

[@ivaroaddogsitting6610]

I have been watching TED talks for a while. This is the best one I've seen so far. If all TED talks were half as good as this one, I would stop going to college and study TED talks all day

[@TheBroknPezDispenser]

Everytime I go through severe life changing discomfort, I come back to this.

[@mojogroddomyzogrodamipodwa7897]

Leaving the comfort zone, that's my target from now on! Thank you

[@D-J-Q]

This is what I understand about my experience and I think I can relate to this: Being in your comfort zone is not guaranteed security. Going out of it once in a while can give you potential for success.

[@Nadd108]

This is the missing piece of the puzzle, it is so simplistic but ignored mostly by the parents. Just amazing talk. Thanks

[@christophercarr5865]

There's no sense of "simplistic" that's positive. If something is simplistic it lacks something -- it's inadequate in some way because it's _too_ simple. "Simplistic" *doesn't* mean _pleasantly simple_ or something like that.

[@clevername8832]

The piece to which puzzle?

[@plusfour1]

What's that? Don't intervene, let them figure it out for themselves? Hard to do, pretty damn effective in my experience. My kids were babies until 2 yrs. Honestly, I didn't plan it that way, I just thought that my job as a parent was to teach them to be independent individuals by age 18

[@elvirammdva]

I totally agree with the title of this video. If you want to succeed something in your life, you have to get out from your comfort zone.

[@SansPeine]

No. Fwck discomfort

[@ArcaneThingOfBeauty]

Well said! In retrospect, for me the times where my life progressed were during the most stressful and uncomfortable times of my life. 😮‍💨

[@christiehobbs3827]

When I stepped out of my comfort zone, I found what I wanted in life and since have created a good life that I am able to share with others and help people to do the same "Blessed"

[@ju9piter]

Yes, I had to walk away from my government job because it was horribly stagnant. And it was oddly chaotic at the same time. In short, It didn't have order OR complexity. I know that was the right decision at the time, and this talk helps me understand why.

[@domosjourney7545]

Needed this today. So grateful and thankful for Ms. Cloven' s mention!

[@curious_one1156]

Those who have the comfort of discomfort given to them by mentors are lucky, specially in the childhood.

[@TopEvt]

We grow and learn through our struggles. Comfort stagnates us. Great talk!

[@christinas.4342]

TopEvt The only struggles you'll ever have is to go from morbidly obese to simply obese and to score a date despite your social awkwardness.

[@billilkovski7928]

Nice talk, However people and nature require and ebb and flow in order to grow. Sleep and wakefulness, action and rest, complexity and stagnation need to cycle. Sustained complexity only has you pushing the edges of a sphere and never breaking through. It is only through the cycling of the growth rings that we can escape the sphere and break out into a new larger sphere where perception and growth has achieved a new more encompassing arena of experience, perception and understanding.

[@notitlegiven]

Which portion of the talk suggested a pursuit for unremitting complexity?

[@kathrynkearney2847]

That is true; we could not grow from just constant never-ending complexity. But the fact is that merely adding complexity/discomfort into our lives will by no means lead us to a state of constant never-ending complexity. We are already naturally faced with order, action and rest, and stagnation in life. Most of us are simply resting in a state of order. And so most of us do not have a full cycle that goes from order to complexity, then back to order again. All we have is the order; therefore we have to add the complexity ourselves. He wasn't asking us to go to the state of chaos; he merely said to add complexity to our already-orderly lives. So in other words, we don't need to worry about trying to control or create every component of life; our job is just to pursue complexity/discomfort, and life naturally will complete the cycle as we grow from the discomfort. For as we grow, what used to be discomfort for us becomes comfortable. And thus then from that "higher platform" you can pursue discomfort again, and continue the cycle of growth.

[@youbiscuit2146]

Perfectly said. It is a question of balance. Also, from his daughter's perspective, boy I'm glad that's not my father!

[@billilkovski7928]

@Noti Tlegiven. Thanks for the question Noti, he suggests that complexity is were growth occurs, I'm suggesting that growth occurs even in order, chaos and stagnation and that some people may even need to break out of complexity in order to grow (although this doesn't seem to be the norm but can occur in highly motivated individuals). So if you want sustained growth you may need to push yourself in any one of those directions depending on who you are. Chaos is where we can break the shackles of our former perspective and make room for the structuring of a higher order.

[@billilkovski7928]

@Katheryn Kearney, Yes that is how i understood his talk too and i think it is very useful for many people. But id suggest also going to chaos and stagnation on purpose as needed. But it may seem a bit dark and counterintuitive. Many people already resist the uncomfortable notion of complexity let alone chaos, But without chaos, growth remains within fixed parameters. Chaos means letting go of the order and complexity you created and making way for a new order. Without breaking down and letting go of our beliefs its very difficult for a more inclusive and encompassing perspective to be formed.

[@omer82752]

I remember my fathers frustration at me for being stubborn and not listening to his advice, but every generation has to make their own mistakes and learn the hard lessons which only pain and discomfort can teach!! So true what this presentation says about pain and learning, only through mistakes and necessity do we learn the valuable lessons of life. You appreciate success more if you have to struggle for it!!!

[@thomasaquinas2600]

Thank heavens we are a nation where we can consider having too much and the ramifications of that. It's so therapeutic to not be 'spoiled'. When we have the occasional power failure due to storms, my neighbor has a noisy and costly to run generator he turns on. For myself, I cope with nothing, and enjoy the temporary 'hardships'. Economically, it's so different if you handle as much as possible in life by yourself vs. hiring people or using their services.

[@MuradBeybalaev]

Guess, what, there are several mentality archetypes. What works for you - doesn't work for everybody. I'm sick with these people, who cracked the code for themselves and are absolutely sure, they cracked it for everyone.

[@blackwarhero2627]

Murad Beybalaev they think that their learning experience with themself can help others not that they have an answer for everyone

[@karzanzorab4473]

totally agree

[@karzanzorab4473]

with Murad

[@karzanzorab4473]

some people get destroyed by disconfort and loosing their job, nothing good comes out of it and then they are made to feel guilty for not overcoming it.

[@keithnelson1484]

Karzan Zorab - that is true and proves the speakers point that being comfortable is what actually destroyed them. Its all case by case, but we all have the opportunity to keep growing even when we don't need to - to prepare for the rainy days.

[@justiceforall6135]

"Choose complexity instead of order" great advice for growth.....

[@patty3451]

I'm snapping my fingers on this one!!! Complacency has never been a friend. Thank you for this talk.

[@Blocphace]

This is an interesting talk by Bill. I so appreciate his position on this and sharing his thoughts. I Spent a large part of my younger days abused and neglected. Parents not being around, and spending time with other family members who were not hiding their discomfort with my presence. Some days Food was a luxury. I understand fully well that there are others who suffered a more severe fate. Having spent a majority of my life playing 'catch up', I've got to say it's taken a toll. At this point, I'm not ashamed to admit that I seek comfort and order in it's purest form.

[@audreym823]

thats actually a good thing. it means you’re leaving your comfort zone, as weird as it sounds. most people stay in or replicate bad situations because its comfortable and change is hard. im trying to avoid the same thing myself, because being the same type of miserable is easier than possibly introducing a new, different, scary miserable. the fact that you want better for yourself is good. that is the opposite of sticking with comfort

[@tahitihawaiiblue]

@@audreym823 great point 👍🏻

[@TheJigree1]

I also had a traumatic, chaotic childhood and sought growth and then finally sought only comfort. Only now I think I've taken it too far in seeking comfort and avoiding discomfort. I wonder how we find balance between pushing ourselves to grow and being in a state of comfort.

[@seanpayant9497]

Bill, thanks for sharing your experience and coaching us with your wisdom. Great Job! SP

[@thomaslavelle6587]

Don't tell me that right now you aren't in your comfort zone watching this in your bed ;) get outta there!

[@mariaivanova8192]

Thomas Lavelle Puahah

[@dannyj77dj]

Thomas Lavelle the reason I'm watching this is because I'm outside my comfort zone :(

[@splendid6348]

😣

[@ShaunaKayKay]

I am. With my binky

[@AMessful]

NO.

[@coachtammyspeaks]

THIS GAVE ME CHILLS! Thank you! So POWERFUL!

[@oscarmoxon102]

This is in my top 10 TED talks of all time. I understand everything he's on about.

[@mhamdking4860]

+1

[@tobybromfield3664]

This is sooooo true! Like with learning a language, if you just do the things you can do you don't improve, but in reading difficult books, in going to new places, talking about new topics, doing new things, you have to adapt so you learn so much more. Like at the gym, if you do the same weights over 6 months you won't make much progress, but if you change it up, shock the muscles etc you have to adapt and so improve. It can be placed in so many situations.

[@suhaspathak6319]

Great speech, I know that comfort will destroy years and years in life. I was experienced it.

[@steelcon58]

Wow. Love it! I was so uncomfortable in my comfy job that I quit. Last year. I’ve never felt better and I had no idea where I was going.

[@mangoyacho]

Such words of wisdom especially during the period when corona has turned our lives up side down. Thank you for sharing your insight.

[@straightuniversity]

That was so healing. Thank you for all the stress this has relieved me from.

[@outsourceplug8937]

Amazing talk. I can totally relate. My mom getting evicted when I was 18 and telling me "Anthony, i'm sorry but wherever I go, you cannot come with me" was the best thing that ever happened to me.

[@KEN_DOES_IT]

Damn thats Deep, but a blessing

[@bignattyzacky8097]

dam man, 🙏🏼

[@ammumeme5789]

What happened after that?

[@outsourceplug8937]

@@ammumeme5789 That was 10 years ago, I was forced to figure out a solution or go homeless. Long story short, I came out on top and now I own a company with 40 employees and growing. I decided not to become a victim.

[@minglee9288]

@@outsourceplug8937 id like to have a talk with you

[@mohammedshabaaz9625]

LIVE the comfort or LEAVE the comfort😊 All the best my friend👍

[@spuktuku]

Three years ago i had to make my own ted talk and i chose this topic after watching this video. It's funny that after all these years I still remember every word. Really changed my life, thanks mr. Eckstrom.

[@annaschott1274]

The "Growth Rings" put thoughts into words. Thank you Bill for sharing this idea not only worth sharing, but also worth implementing in my own life!

[@Cineenvenordquist]

Anna Schott Oh great, now he's going to send you a ton of broken telopause analogy based ads and nobody will finish their kitkat or coffee anymore because of the fashion.

[@GGGGoGetterGirl]

Stagnation will always stunt growth in your life. Keep seeking and keep improving!!! Cheers, GGG

[@donbongo9298]

The way he says friends is just so warm

[@TommyFamous]

Yes! 🙌🏼 It’s in our discomfort we find our true comfort through personal growth and evolution! If we all just stayed “within the lines of order,” we’d wither away into nothingness!

[@davidgoggins9585]

I first watched this video back a few months ago and lost interest 2 minutes in. I stumbled across the video again today, and this video is honestly life changing. Bill Eckstrom gave me the answers I was looking for. If you want to become a Master of Growth and achieve something more in this world then you must learn to love what sucks. "Growth only occurs in a state of discomfort." Therefore to master growth, you must live in discomfort.

[@bublikstudioproductions9686]

Ya coding every morning for me, on my BackEnd...

[@OEMM71]

I love TedxTalks in general, but this is the first one that made me write down many things for immediate introspection. Thank you very much for sharing your life experience. You bring hope and example that with determination, discipline, and faith, many awesome things are possible, no matter the time.

[@makanyemathosa217]

I listened and took out what I need and add and valued.. In Comfort there is relaxation in discomfort there is complicity and a room for improvement to set the purpose. There is less chance for growth in comfort..

[@claudiofreitas910]

Great great Ted Talk. I go for it and recommend it to all of us. Too much comfort will take us to stagnation and eventually death, first mentally, then physically. I have known many people who always lived in the comfort zone. Today they continue their comfortable life ...in the cemetery...or in a jar.

[@shanghai_city]

Thank you for this speech. I listened to this at the right moment in my career.

[@michaelfuqua4394]

Had this belief in my mind forever. It’s hard to force yourself into discomfort but damn... it sure does pay off. Stay humble and protect your own path. Love and gratitude 🙏

[@SansPeine]

It doesn't pay off. I'll be comfortable as much as I want

[@mig7290]

I adopted this and started sleeping in a bush in the local park. I'm still there. You need discomfort, skill and opportunity .

[@umarchowdhury7752]

"Roughen up because the blessings of Allah do not last forever." Umar ibn al-Khattab

[@mikepawlikguitar]

The blessings of Allah don't "not last forever". They never existed in the first place. God is a figment of our imagination that does not exist and serves only the purpose of finding someone to complain to and ask for inspiration in the face of hardship when the only person we need and should look up to is ourselves.

[@zarahovhannisyanofficial1577]

Great speech! One of the best I've ever heard on TED.

[@sheepleslayer586]

Still watched this, even though I "thought" I knew what it was about. Thought I did, I still heard it in a different way of thinking that expanded my knowledge of the topic.

[@arlinegeorge6967]

Departure from the ordered life. So true. Loved your talk. Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.

[@jordanashton8018]

For every great force there is an equally great opposing force. Love and hate. Happiness and Sadness. Comfort and Discomfort. Experience both forces for what they are and do not let the forces consume you and we'll be alright! Wish everyone the best on their journey!

[@khalidakram]

One of best talks I have listened to in the past 5 years! wow. It just makes sense!

[@AULASPLATAFORMAELITEMIL]

Definitely, one of the best videos that I have ever seen before, because the examples wich he uses fits perfectly on me. I've a government's stable carreer, but I wanna be continuing growthing, so I just decided to run my own business and I'm even more sure that that is the best choice that I can make in order to keep learning and improving my life in general terms.

[@nancythomas-wardm.b.a2993]

Don;t blame others for your position in life..be responsible for your own thoughts and decisions...shape yourself to be the best you can...never stop learning and sharing...gratitude for the life you have as over 1 million people don;t wake up in the morning!!! Thx Iman i just joined your program to realise having no regrets, leave a legacy......xn Oh yes avoid like the plague the 1.8 negative people above...

[@benswanson2301]

I think it was put better a little while ago when Paul wrote God's power is made perfect in weakness. I haven't been fired. I have battled Parkinson's since I was in my early 30s. Glory to God. His grace is sufficient.

[@rafadydkiemmacha7543]

Sometimes I'm asking myself: why is growth so hyped? Going out from your comfort zone just makes your comfort zone wider, which seems like a hamster wheel activity. I think the answer is - combine growth and appreciation. Growth stimulates and stimulation it's the purpose of it, not the results. Most people who are interested in self-growth are never happy, because they never learned to appreciate.

[@lordzutroy8465]

Thats wise.

[@BeHappyNoMatterWhat]

The bigger your comfort zone, the more freedom you have to express yourself and experience the world

[@motv-independentthinkingfo3817]

I LOVED THIS TEDX! DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO GET COMFORTABLE! QUESTION AUTHORITY, SEEK POSITIVE CHANGE, DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF FROM ALL OF THE SUCCESS AND POTENTIAL GROWTH THAT YOU HAVE INSTILLED IN YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE! I AM INSPIRED AND I AGREE WITH HIM💯🙏🏽❤

[@pinayhakawati3378]

Loved the talk and this one resonates with me as I'm going through a 'discomfort' this year. But I realized at the end of the day, I wouldn't want to get stuck anyway, so let's do this!

[@richardhemingson3824]

Great talk and very true. Can't stress how much being uncomfortable makes you grow.