# Pilar Sordo on discomfort as the path to growth

> Chilean psychologist Pilar Sordo argues that internal dialogue shapes self-worth and worldview, and that discomfort is essential to personal change.
- Title: Pilar Sordo on discomfort as the path to growth · LA NACION
- Summary: Chilean psychologist Pilar Sordo argues that internal dialogue shapes self-worth and worldview, and that discomfort is essential to personal change…
- Keywords: pilar sordo, psychology, mental health, self-talk, personal growth, chile, news, argentina, politics, Pilar, Sordo, discomfort
- Source: LA NACION — https://lanacion.com.ar/sociedad/pilar-sordo-psicologa-sentir-incomodidad-es-necesario-para-poder-crecer-nid03112026
- Author: LA NACION
- Published: 2026-11-03T07:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pilar sordo, psychology, mental health, self-talk, personal growth, chile, news, argentina, politics
## How we speak shapes who we are
Chilean psychologist and writer Pilar Sordo told LA NACION that the way each person speaks to themselves determines their self-worth and defines their perception of the world around them.

> Cómo te hablas define tu amor propio y tu visión del mundo
## Internal dialogue shapes how we live
Sordo said internal dialogue and self-perception define how people experience grief, find life purpose, and express emotions. If someone sees themselves as trustworthy, they project that reliability onto others.
## Language loss weakens human connection
Sordo said people use less vocabulary when speaking, reducing their ability to express inner experience. She cited Spanish psychiatrist José Luis Marín, saying humans become ill from lack of words when emoticons replace language.
## Impatience blocks real conversation
Sordo said lack of patience prevents both people from feeling heard. Real conversation requires both to risk being changed by what the other says, or it becomes intermittent monologue instead.

> Hemos ido reduciendo la paciencia, porque no solo me cuesta decirte lo que me pasa, sino que cada vez tú tienes menos paciencia para escucharme a mí
## Discomfort is the only real invitation to grow
Sordo studied this for eight years and concluded that discomfort is necessary for change. She criticized social pressure for constant happiness, saying growth requires accepting the friction of recognizing what needs to change.

> La incomodidad es la única invitación al crecimiento
## The right to change and leave
Sordo defended the human right to change opinions, make mistakes, and leave places without wellbeing. She said a culture expert in escape finds this difficult to accept.
## Key takeaway

Psychologist Pilar Sordo says how people speak to themselves determines their self-worth and view of the world, and that discomfort is necessary for growth.