Do Hard Things: The Path to Strength

If we want to grow—physically, mentally, and emotionally—we can't chase comfort. Growth lives on the other side of discomfort. We must deliberately seek out hard things: waking up early, hitting the gym, going for that long, punishing run. These challenges shape us. They forge resilience. They make us stronger.

Too often, we fall into the trap of comfort, believing it’s the goal. But that mindset is backwards. Comfort breeds complacency. Complacency breeds weakness. Challenges, on the other hand, demand effort—and effort transforms us.

When we adopt the mindset that life should be difficult, that difficulty is necessary for growth, we begin to look for opportunities to push ourselves. Each challenge becomes a chance to evolve.

In today’s world, it’s easy to forget this truth. Modern life is packed with conveniences and comforts. Society tells us to “take it easy,” to avoid stress, to relax. Compared to life 1,000—or even 100—years ago, we live in extraordinary ease. We don’t have to hunt for food, build shelters by hand, or defend ourselves from threats. And while those are undeniably positive developments, they also mean we’ve lost touch with the hard work our bodies and minds were designed to do.

Without challenges, we get soft—mentally, physically, spiritually. So now, we must choose difficulty. We must create opportunities to test ourselves. To sweat, to strain, to grow. This is how we stay sharp. This is how we live with purpose.

Doing hard things isn’t about punishment—it’s about pursuit. Pursuit of your best self. Start small if you need to. Wake up early. Push yourself in your next workout. Set a goal that scares you. Then go chase it.

Because one day, your future self will look back—and thank you for choosing the hard road.

Do hard things. Live with strength.