Editor’s Letter: Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable (Plus What’s Trending On 30Seconds This Week) by Elisa Schmitz


Editor’s Letter: Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable (Plus What’s Trending On 30Seconds This Week)

Growing up, I was the only girl on my little league baseball team. It wasn’t the most comfortable situation: I took a lot of teasing, and so did some of my teammates – simply because I was on the team. Then there were those who doubted my ability, solely based on my gender. Many times, members of opposing teams would single me out as a possible weak link. Whether they thought I’d be an easy strikeout or they should hit to wherever I happened to be playing because I’d likely drop the ball, extra pressure was always on. Which is why it was so satisfying to see their faces when I proved them wrong.

Here's the trophy I won for being part of the "City Champs" baseball team.

In fact, my team ended up winning the city championships. And I was the one who caught the would-have-been-a-game-winning-homerun fly ball cracked hard way out to center field, where – mouth full of chewing gum – I ran back back back, mitt raised to the sky until I found the perfect spot where ball met glove. After our victory I was interviewed for the local TV news, and I remember feeling pretty excited – and very relieved to not have dropped that ball! – at the achievement, and it stuck with me.

This is the actual center field where I caught that would-have-been-a-game-winning-homer.

The lesson? Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It seems so simple, yet it’s not so easy – especially for girls. That’s why it’s my first tip for aspiring female entrepreneurs (I shared more of my tips recently on the Dad Time Out Show with Michael Kennedy).

Being the only female – whether in business or baseball – can be very uncomfortable, which is often enough to stop us in our tracks. But just because something feels uncomfortable, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Being different – whether because of genderethnicitysexual preference, religion, ability or other reason – doesn’t have to be a disadvantage. In fact, your difference can be your superpower.

Here's the actual view from my spot in center field.

In my baseball situation, because the doubters singled me out as a failure based on one data point, I was like a stealth bomber: they just didn’t see me coming until it was too late. My difference became not only my superpower, but also one for my entire team. So I decided to own that stealth-bomber-ness. I learned to just be myself and to be confident in my differences. The confidence that came from owning my differences has served me well in my career and throughout my entire life.

This works equally well for adults as it does for young people, so get comfortable being uncomfortable – no matter your age. Have an “uncomfortable” story to share? I’d love to hear it!

Here I am at the home plate from which that ball was launched, holding my trophy.

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Tribe
This is a very inspiring story. I wanted my girls to play baseball but they were too intimidated by the boys. They ended up playing soccer instead.
Cassiday
I love proving people wrong, too. It’s very empowering! 🙏🏼
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you so much! You can learn more about the amazing Michael Kennedy in this great interview Donna John did with him here: dad: Podcasting Papa: 30 Seconds With Michael Kennedy, Host & Co-creator of "Dad Time Out Show" Podcast" target="_blank" class="markup-link icon icon-timer">dad: Podcasting Papa: 30 Seconds With Michael Kennedy, Host & Co-creator of "Dad Time Out Show" Podcast Tribe Cassiday dad: Podcasting Papa: 30 Seconds With Michael Kennedy, Host & Co-creator of "Dad Time Out Show" Podcast" target="_blank" class="markup-link icon icon-timer">dad: Podcasting Papa: 30 Seconds With Michael Kennedy, Host & Co-creator of "Dad Time Out Show" Podcast
Dieter Schmitz
Wow! This is an incredible story @elisa. You’re amazing! I played little league in rural Minnesota and the team stuck me in right right right field. Yep, basically in the neighboring corn field. No one trusted Dieter “missed another fly ball” Schmitz in the real outfield.
BecomeTheFire
And that’s how you become the fire. 🔥

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