On a related note, many of my personal development stories that end in "I don't worry about X any more" usually involve experiencing some sort of especially horrible example of X to which all lesser X-instances pale in comparison. We've discussed artificially inducing this at the London meetups, (referred to as "terror therapy" or "extreme CoZE"), but the idea of subjecting oneself to traumatic experiences in domains of existing discomfort doesn't seem to be a popular one.
The term to google here is post-traumatic growth.
Many traditional initiation rituals, which tend to be designed to teach you a lesson you won't forget, are quite traumatic. I'd like to believe the trauma serves a purpose beyond hazing and reinforcement of hierarchy, although I do not know it does.
I just figured out how to use the local banking system and I will be able for the first time to pay my rent from my actual salary received in this country (as opposed to savings from my previous life). Also I always hated shopping for groceries and now I can do it without much pain, because I've found a way that works for me. As I reflect on this, an expression comes to my mind: "leveling up." I don't have the same problems any more which I used to have. I grow and face new challenges.
Did you, fellow rationalists and transhumanists, ever have that feeling? Any particular accomplishments, big or small, that made you feel you're advancing? No matter fast or slow, in big steps or tiny, but firmly forward!?
I'm thrilled to read your stories!