If there’s one life strategy I swear by, it’s this: embrace discomfort. No, really, get cozy with it. Invite it in like a houseguest who shows up unannounced, eats all your snacks, and ends up changing your life for the better. Whether it’s diving into tech as an “old dog,” or tangoing my way into the spotlight, learning to embrace discomfort has been the key to my growth, my joy, and yes, even my dance moves.

Embrace Discomfort and Discover What You’re Made Of

Embrace Discomfort

Patricia Davis Brown and Edwin Rivera

1. It Started with Tile Samples and Fear

Long before I was twirling in heels, I was navigating the early days of my interior design career. Back then, “embrace discomfort” meant walking into high-end design meetings with experienced architects and asserting my ideas with confidence I didn’t yet feel. I leaned in anyway. That mindset led me to earn my Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) credential, a huge milestone. Was it terrifying? Absolutely. But embracing discomfort made the reward so much sweeter.

2. Certification Nation

Not stopping there, I went on to earn my National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification. The studying was brutal. The test was harder. I doubted myself every step of the way. But once again, I chose to embrace discomfort instead of backing away from it. And that choice became one of the most pivotal decisions in my career. It elevated my credibility and opened doors I didn’t even know existed.

3. “What’s a Blog?” — Said Me in the ’90s

embrace discomfort 2

Patricia Davis Brown – Speaking at American Lighting Assoc.

Let’s rewind to when the internet became a thing. While others in my generation were clutching their fax machines, I leaned in. I built a blog. I learned to code just enough to be dangerous, and eventually, I discovered CAD software, which, to someone who still preferred hand-sketching, felt like translating ancient Greek. But again, I chose to embrace discomfort. That decision led to a fully digital brand and an online presence that now attracts clients and industry pros from around the globe.

4. Podcasting… With a Microphone, I Didn’t Know How to Turn On

Fast-forward to podcasting. When I decided to launch Varied Voices Podcast, I had no clue how to edit audio or even what a good mic sounded like. But I figured it out, because I knew from experience that if I embraced discomfort, I’d come out on the other side stronger, savvier, and maybe with a few bloopers to laugh at. And I was right. Now, I get to have meaningful conversations with fascinating guests and connect with audiences in an entirely new way.

5. Dancing with the Vero Stars: A Spotlight I Never Saw Coming

So when I was asked to be part of Dancing with the Vero Stars, did I hesitate? Nope. I may not have known the difference between a rumba and a rhumba, but I knew this was my next big opportunity to embrace discomfort and grow from it. I partnered with the amazing Edwin Rivera and, spoiler alert, we received a perfect score. Was I surprised? You bet. But only because I had finally learned that confidence and joy come from dancing through discomfort, not away from it.

6. Social Dancing = Social Stretching

Now that the show’s over, I’ve become a regular at local dance socials. Me, showing up alone, stepping onto a dance floor full of strangers, and attempting everything from salsa to swing. Every time I lace up my shoes, I choose to embrace discomfort. And what do I get in return? A sharper brain, a stronger body, and a soul that’s on fire. Plus, I get to laugh at myself frequently.

7. Status Quo is Boring—Let’s Not

If I’ve learned anything in my career, it’s that growth hides behind the things that scare us. Saying “yes” to the unfamiliar has made me a better designer, speaker, teacher, and human. From speaking at national events to helping others break into the design world, I’ve found that when I embrace discomfort, the world gets bigger and more colorful.

That’s not to say I’m fearless. I still get butterflies before I speak, and I still second-guess myself when learning a new dance style. But I show up anyway. Because playing it safe is, frankly, boring. And I don’t want a status quo life, I want one filled with rhythm, risk, reinvention… and maybe even the cha-cha.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re just starting out or reinventing yourself mid-career, I challenge you to embrace discomfort. Say yes to that speaking gig. Take the class you think you’re too old for. Dance like people are watching, because you might just surprise yourself. Trust me, it’s way more fun than sitting on the sidelines.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a bachata class to get to, and I’ll probably mess it up. But I’ll be smiling the whole time.

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About the Author: Patricia Davis Brown

Patricia, like her blog, is not a one-dimensional designer, which is evident in her accolades of 17 national design awards. Over a 38-year career in the industry, she has carved a niche in several areas of design. Licensed in interior design and certified in kitchen and bath design, she offers a full menu of design services ranging from whole house interior design, kitchen and bath design, lighting design, full remodels, commercial design and universal (ADA) design. Patricia is a sought-after speaker in the industry and has been published in many publications as seen on her interior design firm’s website, https://www.patriciadavisbrowndesigns.com/. She writes for such publications as QuinStreetinc, Relaxed Remodeler, and eHow.com talent offering design tips.