We all have goals that we want to achieve, whether it is to get fit, learn a new skill, start a business, or write a book. But often, we face obstacles that make us feel like giving up or settling for less. How can we overcome these challenges and pursue our dreams with confidence and courage?
The answer is simple: do hard things.
Doing hard things means facing your fears, stepping out of your comfort zone, and challenging yourself to grow and improve. It means not avoiding difficulty, but embracing it as an opportunity to learn and grow. It means not letting your emotions dictate your actions, but taking thoughtful and deliberate steps towards your desired outcome. It means not being satisfied with mediocrity, but striving for excellence in everything you do.
But how do we do hard things? Here are some practical tips based on the latest science and psychology of resilience:
- Identify exactly what’s hard. Instead of thinking I can’t do this because it’s hard, try figuring out precisely what part of the task is hard. Is it the skill level, the time commitment, the uncertainty, the feedback, or something else? Once you pinpoint the source of difficulty, you can address it more effectively and find ways to overcome it.
- Break the task down. This tip pairs nicely with tip #1. Once you know what’s hard, you can break it down into smaller and more manageable steps. For example, if you want to write a book, you can start by outlining the chapters, then writing one paragraph per day, then revising and editing your work. Breaking down a big goal into smaller subgoals can help you reduce overwhelm, track your progress, and celebrate your achievements.
- Consult your resources. You don’t have to do hard things alone. You can seek help from others who have done what you want to do, or who can offer you guidance, support, or feedback. You can also use books, courses, podcasts, videos, or other sources of information to learn from experts and gain new insights. Consulting your resources can help you gain confidence, motivation, and inspiration.
- Start with what you do know. Sometimes doing hard things can make us feel incompetent or inadequate. We may think that we don’t have enough knowledge or experience to succeed. But instead of focusing on what you don’t know, focus on what you do know. Use your existing skills and strengths as a foundation to build on. For example, if you want to learn a new language, you can start by learning words that are similar to your native language or that are related to your interests. Starting with what you do know can help you boost your self-efficacy and reduce your anxiety.
- Separate hard from impossible. Doing hard things does not mean doing impossible things. It means doing things that are challenging but achievable with effort and persistence. Sometimes we may confuse hard with impossible because we have unrealistic expectations or negative beliefs about ourselves or our abilities. But instead of letting these thoughts stop us, we can challenge them with evidence and logic. For example, if you think that you can’t run a marathon because you’re too old or too slow, you can look for examples of people who have done it at your age or speed. Separating hard from impossible can help you reframe your mindset and expand your possibilities.
- Get clear on the end result Doing hard things requires sacrifice and discipline. It means giving up some short-term pleasures for long-term rewards. It means enduring some pain for greater gain. But why do we do it? Because we have a vision of what we want to achieve and why it matters to us. Getting clear on the end result can help you stay focused and motivated when doing hard things. It can help you remember why you started and where you’re going.
Doing hard things is not easy, but it is worth it. It is the secret to achieving your goals and fulfilling your potential. It is the way to grow as a person and make a positive impact on the world.
So don’t shy away from doing hard things. Embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Do hard things today and see what amazing things happen tomorrow.
