how to do hard things (and actually move forward)
we’re surrounded by history’s warnings about being too comfortable, Roosevelt, William James, JFK.
hey friend,
we’re surrounded by history’s warnings about being too comfortable, Roosevelt, William James, JFK.
they all basically said: do something hard or get soft.
today, it’s no different.
as entrepreneurs (and humans), we’ve got to choose our own “hard”, because when life chooses it for you, it’s usually not pretty.
the problem with “one and done” hard things
running an ultra once every few years might be impressive, but does it really transform you?
probably not.
one big effort, then nothing, no lasting change.
that’s why I developed the hard things equation in my book, Killing Comfort.
by the way, you can snag Chapter 1 of the book here.
anyway, here’s the hard things equation
HARD THING = push forward against your own desire + do it daily over decades.
- push forward against your own desire
- if you’re already dying to do something (like me with fitness), it’s not really a “hard thing.”
- the key is picking an area where you feel true resistance.
- do it daily (until it’s a habit)
- once it’s automatic, it’s no longer “hard.”
- pick a new challenge and repeat.
that’s how you evolve, personally and professionally.
target one area, apply steady pressure, and level up.
avoid random acts of “hard”, like running with a rock in your shoe.
that’s just sporadic stupidity, not transformation.
why it matters for you and your business:
when you become a better human, tougher, more disciplined, your business benefits.
the bigger, better you builds a bigger, better business.
so choose your hard thing, push forward even when you really don’t want to, and repeat until it’s second nature.
then do it again.
and again.
that’s how you truly kill comfort and keep growing.
try harder,
JM
P.S. I published two podcast episodes this week (checkout the YOUTUBE versions!!):
- Epi. 206: The Entrepreneurs Guide to STRESSFUL Times (A Simple Game That Actually Works) (Spotify | Apple | YouTube)
- Epi. 207: How to Do Hard Things That Actually Matter**(Spotify | Apple | YouTube)**
Give it a listen and let me know what you think.