The power of learning through discomfort

It’s all about the dynamics between people – the courage to step into discomfort and move beyond your comfort zone to grow, both personally and professionally. It may feel tough in the moment, but the rewards are far greater when you dare to challenge yourself and those around you. In this article, we meet David Di Moen – a standup comedian and artist – for an honest conversation that opens the door to growth.

From the basement to the spotlight

On a warm summer night in Skien, we sit down with David De Moen. From daylight to darkness, the conversation flows – raw, funny, real. He’s a standup comedian on the rise, performing all over Norway, but this isn’t just about jokes. It’s about life, scars, and the power of owning your story.

“I’ve been a supporting role for too long,” David says. “Now I want to be the main character in my own life. That shift makes everything worth waking up for – when I feel good, and the people around me feel good.”

Turning cracks into gold

David talks about hitting rock bottom, about nights in the “darkest basement.” But he doesn’t frame it as failure.

“The cracks I’ve had have turned into gold,” he explains. “They gave me priceless experience. Would I change anything? I don’t think so. Every step has led me here.”

It’s a mindset: if you think it’s gonna suck, it will. If you think it’s gonna be good, it will be.

More than “what do you do?”

One thing David can’t stand is how people define themselves by their job title.

“Why don’t we ask ‘Who are you?’ instead? Do you like hiking? Have you seen something new? Those are the things that create everyday magic.”

For him, growth is about breaking patterns – sometimes with something absurd, even if society calls it weird. “That’s how you stop the spiral and move forward,” he says.

Rich in creativity

David doesn’t measure success in only money.

“Happiness isn’t about being rich. I’m rich in creativity, and I earn a lot in my head. I’m rich in good friends and family. That’s enough for me.”

Therapy has been a big part of the journey. He laughs when recalling what a psychologist once told him:

“I procrastinate a lot, I mess around,” David admits. “And the psychologist just said: ‘Yeah, but that’s who you are.’ That was huge for me. We always try to fit into some mold. But the real growth happens when you accept yourself, own it, and move forward.”

Two voices you need

“To get out of the basement,” David says, “you need two people: one you pay to talk to, and one you don’t. You need a guide who knows what they’re talking about – and a friend who’s just there.”

It’s simple advice, but powerful. Because learning through discomfort isn’t a solo journey. It’s about connection. About being real. About finding the courage to be yourself even when it feels hard.

Why it matters

David’s story is more than just a comedian’s road to the stage. It’s about growth through discomfort, and how every struggle can turn into strength if you face it head-on.

For anyone trying to create something – whether it’s art, a business, or just a better version of yourself – his words hit home: be the main character, embrace the cracks, and dare to step outside your comfort zone. That’s where the magic happens.