Growth Lives in Discomfort

I often talk about the importance of doing hard things—and for good reason.

As humans, we tend to avoid discomfort. We naturally seek out the well-traveled, “safe” path. But real growth doesn’t happen there. Growth happens when we’re challenged, stretched, and pushed to our limits.

As I type this, I’m in the middle of an 84-hour fast—the longest I’ve ever done. I regularly fast for 24 hours, but this challenge is testing me physically and mentally. It’s a reminder that exercising both the mind and the body unlocks benefits far beyond the surface.

For those who know me personally or work with me, you know I’ve been on a health journey these past two years—down 70 pounds and counting. But none of it has come easy. Every workout, every meal choice, every fast has required discipline. And yes, there have been days I’ve fallen off. But what matters most isn’t perfection—it’s how you respond. It’s about showing up the next day, ready to get back on the path.

Because that’s where transformation lives—in the hard stuff.

Finding Strength in Uncertainty—Together

Just like personal growth, growth in a career—or a business—rarely comes easy.

In the world of manufacturing, we see this every day. Companies struggle to find the right people. Job seekers wrestle with the stress of uncertainty, especially after a layoff or during a long job search. It’s not just about finding work—it’s about finding the right work. And that process can be frustrating, discouraging, and even isolating.

As a staffing partner in this space, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside both employers and candidates during these hard seasons. I’ve watched job seekers doubt their worth—only to find themselves thriving in a new role that challenges and inspires them. I’ve worked with manufacturers who were buried under production demand, unsure if they’d ever find the skilled labor they needed—until they opened up, asked for help, and trusted the process.

Here’s what I’ve learned: the hardest moments are often the turning points. But you don’t have to go through them alone.

A few things to keep in mind if you’re navigating this:

• If you're a job seeker: Don’t be afraid to reach out. Whether it’s for resume help, interview prep, or just encouragement—it’s okay to ask for support. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Every successful person has leaned on someone at some point.

• If you’re an employer: Be proactive, not reactive. If you're short on people, don't wait until you're in full-blown crisis mode. Talk to someone who knows your industry and can help you build the right team. Investing in people is investing in your future.

• For both sides: Communication and transparency go a long way. Be honest about what you need. Be open to feedback. And most importantly, be patient—with the process and with yourself.

This industry is built on grit, resilience, and showing up when it’s hard. But that doesn’t mean we do it alone.

If you’re struggling—whether it’s filling a role, finding one, or just figuring out your next step—reach out. Even a short conversation can make a big difference.

Because at the end of the day, growth doesn’t just come from doing hard things—it comes from having the courage to ask for help when you need it most.

The Effective Syndicate is a family of brands dedicated to supporting U.S. manufacturing by addressing the industry's unique challenges:

• The Effective Syndicate: Delivering expert consulting services in Lean Six Sigma, leadership development, and operational improvement to help manufacturing companies achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.

• TES Recruiting: Connecting manufacturing companies with top-tier talent, from the shop floor to the C-suite.

• Swiftemp: Providing fast, reliable staffing solutions, specializing in temporary-to-hire roles for manufacturing and metal fabrication.

• GSD Manager Training: Empowering managers with practical, no-nonsense training to lead confidently, enhance productivity, and build stronger teams.

Together, we help U.S. manufacturing businesses thrive. Want to learn more? Check out our website! www.tes.run