Getting Old is the Progressive Seeking of Comfort
Nov 14, 2025
When was the last time you stretched yourself?
When was the last time you felt uncomfortable as you tried something new?
That’s what I asked myself when I heard an intriguing quote this past week:
“Getting old is the progressive seeking of comfort.”
And if you think about it, there is some truth to that idea.
When I think of “old” people… images of recliner chairs, comfy slippers, and pottering around the house in predictable routines come to mind.
Everything in perfect control and comfort.
Nothing out of place or in disarray.
At least that’s what it was like my MY grandparents’ house growing up…
Whenever we visited everything was clean…
Had to be kept clean…
And not for a single second could it NOT be clean…
But if the progressive seeking of comfort is the definition of getting old, then the reverse must be true:
Staying young is the progressive seeking of discomfort.
I can’t remember the last time I had a scraped elbow, or tore up my shins with road rash from a bike fall… but as a kid? I had them all the time.
That’s because childhood is CONSTANT experimentation… scraped knees and all.
And being a little uncomfortable in the process.
But for adults? Not so much.
I’m not saying you need to go take up extreme mountain biking, alligator wrestling, or hurl yourself over flaming dumpsters on a skateboard…
But take a moment to ask yourself: when was the last time you felt uncomfortable as you tried something new?
When was the last time you genuinely stretched yourself in a novel experience?
Because an interesting thing happens in our brains when we do.
Scientists at Columbia University discovered that when we push ourselves to solve uncomfortable problems and try new things, it forces our brains to make new connections and rewire itself so it is more responsive.
Better yet, when the brain successfully made these new connections it released a strong hit of dopamine… the same chemical which fuels motivation and reward…immediately into our system.
Here’s why this matters:
I don’t know about you, but life isn’t exactly a piece of cake everyday.
It can be hard, difficult, and overwhelming.
And sometimes people turn to some pretty unhealthy things to cope with discomfort and stress.
Tragically, these can lead to even more negative repercussions overtime.
But if what these researchers suggest is true, then that means one HEALTHY option that can reset your brain, release dopamine, and help you feel much better about life… is to stretch yourself and try something new.
So what is something you’ve always wanted to try?
Where is a place you’ve always wanted to go?
What is something you’ve always wanted to learn?
Why not take steps THIS WEEK to start and make it happen?
Tomorrow you will be a day older. But will you be a day… different?
If getting old is the progressive seeking of comfort, then staying young is the progressive seeking of discomfort.
Let’s get uncomfortable this week.
Your brain will thank you later.
Christian
CHRISTIAN HANSEN has gone behind the scenes in some of the biggest organizations in the world to find out the reasons why some people get chosen and why others don’t. As the #1 bestselling and LinkedIn Top Ten ranked author of “The Influence Mindset: The Art & Science of Getting People to Choose You” Christian helps teams and organizations who want to stand out and be the obvious choice. With degrees from Brigham Young University and The London School of Economics, he’s helped thousands of individuals position and sell themselves. A fan of international communication, history, and choral music, he currently lives in Utah with his wife. Reach him at: TheChristianHansen.com
Its Like GettingĀ a 1-1 Coaching SessionĀ
Delivered to Your Inbox.
Join our mailing list to receive weekly Influence Insights that will make you the obvious choice to Decision Makers.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
