Why is it so hard to keep pushing when things get uncomfortable?

I was halfway through the final lap of a grueling skating pattern when the heavy, shaky feeling in my legs really started to set in. Every push felt a little slower than the last one. My lungs felt tight, and my breath was coming in those shallow, jagged gasps that usually signal the end of my rope. My brain immediately went to a negative place: “I can’t do this. This is too hard. I’m too tired.” I looked at my coach, half-hoping she’d tell me to take a break, but when I told her how hard it was, she said, “It’s the last lap. It always hurts. It isn't supposed to be comfortable.”

For a long time, I took the physical discomfort of a hard practice personally. I’d watch other skaters glide through their sets and assume their bodies weren't screaming the way mine was. I convinced myself I was "too sensitive" or that I just wasn't built for this level of effort. At some point, the workout stopped being about conditioning and started feeling like proof that I lacked "grit." In my mind, it morphed from physical fatigue to a failure of character.

Discomfort is Data

In the "grind culture" world of sports, we’re told to just "crush it" or ignore our bodies entirely. But what I’ve started noticing in my work with athletes is that the sensation itself usually isn't the real problem.

The meaning we attach to it is.

When your legs start to burn, it’s just your body sending data to your brain about energy and limits. It’s neutral information. But when we decide that the burn means "I’m out of shape" or "I’m failing," we start to panic. 

Something I often talk about with athletes (and try to remind myself of as well!) is that elite performers don’t magically avoid this. Most of them still feel the same doubt and physical discomfort. The difference is how they interpret those sensations. They see the discomfort as proof that they are doing the work, not as a sign that they are failing.

The Science of Your Internal Dialogue

What surprised me was how much this changed when I went through physical therapy for my right knee. I had to do these repetitive hip endurance exercises that were, quite honestly, miserable. At first, I was stuck in a loop of thinking, “This hurts, this is taking forever, I hate this.” Every second felt like an hour.

But then I tried a shift. I started focusing on my own strength instead of the sensation. I’d tell myself, “I am strong enough to hold this for ten more seconds.” The burn didn’t go away, but it stopped being the boss of me. It created just enough space for me to respond instead of panic. 

This is actually backed by research into how we talk to ourselves. Studies show that "motivational" self-talk (i.e., focusing on capability and encouragement) is way more effective for getting through a wall than just focusing on the physical sensations. When you acknowledge that it’s hard but remind yourself you’re capable, you stop fighting yourself and start moving again.

Defining Your "Healthy Push"

The hard part is that we often feel we have to be invincible machines to be successful. This is especially true for athletes who feel they have to work twice as hard to prove they belong because of their race, gender, or background. We get taught to ignore our needs until we reach a point of self-betrayal.

But true mental “toughness” is about knowing the difference between the "healthy burn" of getting stronger and the "sharp pain" of an injury. A “healthy burn” is data to keep going. A “sharp pain” is a signal to stop.

When you accept that the last lap is supposed to be uncomfortable, you can stop fighting the feeling. You just have to trust that you can be uncomfortable and capable at the very same time.

When you feel the "burn" in your training, what is the very first sentence your brain says to you?

Ready to Handle the "Last Lap" Without the Panic?

If pushing through discomfort always turns into panic, shame, or self-doubt, you don’t have to figure that out alone. Our sport psychology team can help you build a healthier relationship with pressure, effort, and performance so you can stay present when things get tough. Reach out today to get started.

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Legal Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health treatment, psychological services, or medical advice. Reading this post does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you are seeking support for your mental health or well-being, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional in your area.