Overcoming the “Eek Factor”: How Facing Discomfort Can Improve Your Mental Health and Your Bottom Line

There’s a moment we all recognize.

You think about making a big change such as asking for a raise, launching a new project, setting a boundary, or investing in yourself and suddenly your body reacts before your mind can catch up. 

Your stomach tightens. Your chest feels a little heavy. Your thoughts start racing:

What if I fail? What if I look stupid? What if this goes wrong?

That instinctive feeling of “eek.”

The problem isn’t that we feel it. The problem is that we let it decide for us.
 
What Is the “Eek Factor?”

The “eek factor” is your brain’s threat detection system kicking in when something feels uncertain, unfamiliar, or risky. At the center of this response is a small but powerful part of your brain: the amygdala. Its job is to keep you safe. It’s that simple, or is it?

Your brain doesn’t distinguish well between:

• A real physical threat
• Emotional discomfort
• Financial risk
• Social vulnerability
  
  

So when you consider something like:

• Starting a business
• Changing careers
• Speaking up for yourself
• Investing money or time
  
  

Your brain reacts as if you’re about to put your hand on a hot stove.

What Happens in Your Mind and Body

​When the “eek” response is triggered, your nervous system shifts into fight, flight, or freeze mode. You may notice an increase in heart rate, shallow breathing, muscle tension, or overthinking. We’ve all been there and can recognize these symptoms.

Cortisol (your stress hormone) rises, and your brain shifts away from rational thinking toward survival mode.

This is why:

• You suddenly doubt decisions you were confident about
• You procrastinate on important goals
• You convince yourself something “isn’t the right time”
  
  

There are all protective reflexes. They are normal responses and not a reflection on your ability. 

The Cost of Avoiding the “Eek”

Avoidance feels like relief in the moment, but it comes at a high cost on your mental and financial health.

Mental Health Impact

• Increased anxiety (because avoidance reinforces fear)
• Lower self-confidence
• Feelings of stagnation or being “stuck”
• Regret and self-doubt
  
  

Each time you back away from discomfort, your brain learns:

“That was dangerous. Good thing we avoided it”
The next “eek” gets louder

I personally hate when that happens. 

Avoiding discomfort often means avoiding opportunities like:

• Asking for an increase in salary
• Staying in a job you hate
• Not pursuing a side business or idea
• Avoiding investments or growth opportunities
• Undervaluing your work
  
  

Over time, these decisions compound and can quietly cost you thousands in lost income or countless moments of joy. 

The Shift: From Fear to Calibration

You may not be entirely able to eliminate the “eek factor,” but you can try to change your relationship with it. 

Instead of asking:
“How do I avoid this feeling?”
Ask:
“Is this discomfort dangerous or is it growth?”

Setting Realistic Goals 

One of life’s most challenging task is making goals realistic. The bigger the goal, the bigger our “eek” response. The key is to shrink the fear without shrinking the vision.

Make Goals Specific and Measurable

Instead of:

• “I want to improve my finances.”
• Try:
• “I will save $100 this month.”
• “I will make three sales calls a day.”
• When you create more clarity, it reduces anxiety in your brain.

 Break Goals Into Small Steps

• Instead of “start a business” → “email one potential client ”
• Instead of “ask for a raise” → “set time aside to talk with your boss about your progress"
• Instead of “fix my mental health” → “schedule one therapy session”
  
  

Progress builds confidence and reduces our fear response.

Expect the Discomfort (Don’t Interpret It. One of the biggest mistakes we make is assuming if it feels scary, it must be bad. This is so not true. Fear is a sign that you care. While discomfort indicates your desire to grow and improve your life.

Train Your Nervous System
You don’t overcome fear with logic. If we did, it would be easier to overcome them.

The Mental Health Payoff

When you start facing the “eek” instead of avoiding it, something powerful happens:

• Anxiety decreases over time
• You become more confident
• You feel more in control of your life
  You strengthen your resilience
  
  

Keep in mind that the “eek factor” isn’t the enemy. It’s a doorway.

On one side is comfort, predictability, and playing it safe. On the other side is growth, confidence, and opportunity. 

You don’t have to leap. You just have to take one step forward through your discomfort. The rewards are limitless. 

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