Psychologists say people who push themselves beyond limits aren't ignoring their fear, they may be unlocking superpowers

Most people naturally try to avoid situations that make them uncomfortable. Fear, uncertainty, and anxiety are often seen as warning signs telling us to step back. Yet psychologists suggest that some of the most meaningful personal growth happens when people do the opposite. From signing up for a marathon to speaking in public, taking a difficult exam, or simply having a hard conversation, willingly stepping into discomfort can reveal abilities that remain hidden when life stays predictable.

Psychology Today reports that according to psychologist and ultrarunner Nick Holton, discomfort is not always something that needs to be avoided. In some situations, it can become a pathway to greater confidence, resilience, and self-discovery. His reflections after completing the Zion Traverse, a demanding 38-mile route across Zion National Park in a single day, offer insight into why people are often drawn to challenges that push them beyond their perceived limits.

The comfort zone is not fixed

During the final miles of the run, Holton was dealing with sore feet, dehydration, loss of appetite, and doubts about why he had chosen such a difficult challenge. Yet the experience also highlighted an important psychological principle: the comfort zone is not permanent.


When people repeatedly face situations that initially feel intimidating, a process known as habituation can occur. Over time, the brain becomes more familiar with the challenge, and anxiety gradually loses some of its power. As confidence grows, activities that once seemed impossible begin to feel manageable.

Holton noted that there was a time when running 38 miles through a desert would have felt completely unrealistic. Years of gradual training and increasingly difficult races helped expand what he believed he was capable of achieving.

Why struggle often feels rewarding

Not all enjoyable experiences are comfortable. In psychology, some people refer to demanding but ultimately rewarding experiences as "Type II fun." These are activities that may feel difficult in the moment but become deeply satisfying afterward.

Holton's run included extreme heat, stretches without water, steep climbs, deep sand, and moments of self-doubt. Yet he believes those very struggles gave the experience meaning.

Without obstacles, there would have been fewer opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow. The challenge became memorable not because it was easy, but because it required persistence.

Discomfort brings people into the present

Modern life often pulls attention in multiple directions at once. Work deadlines, family responsibilities, social media, and endless notifications can leave people operating on autopilot.

Challenging situations tend to interrupt that pattern.

As Holton approached the end of his run, everyday concerns faded into the background. His attention became fully focused on the immediate moment, the pain in his feet, the surrounding landscape, and the task of moving forward.

Psychologists often describe this as a state of heightened presence. Difficult experiences can force people to engage fully with what is happening right now instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.

Fear can reveal strengths people didn't know they had

Pressure has a way of exposing both vulnerabilities and strengths. Fear often highlights insecurities, but it can also reveal resilience, determination, and adaptability.

According to Holton, people frequently discover these qualities only after they have worked through a challenge. Looking back, they realize they were capable of handling far more than they initially believed.

The confidence gained from one difficult experience can also carry into other areas of life. When people accomplish something they once thought was beyond them, other challenges may suddenly seem less intimidating.

Psychologists emphasize that the goal is not to seek suffering for its own sake. Severe anxiety that disrupts daily life should be addressed with professional support. But when discomfort is approached thoughtfully and safely, it can create opportunities for growth, self-awareness, and confidence.

The takeaway is that people who push themselves beyond their limits are not necessarily ignoring fear. More often, they are learning how to move through it. And in doing so, they may discover strengths that were there all along, waiting to be tested.