How to Embrace the Hard Stuff and Make It a Feature of Your Year

As we welcome a new year, many of us are filled with excitement and motivation. We set ambitious goals, promising ourselves that this will be the year we finally make lasting changes. But let’s be honest—how many of us actually follow through?

Change is uncomfortable. It’s challenging. It forces us to do things we’d rather avoid. But what if the key to success isn’t avoiding hard things but embracing them?

I want to share an experience that illustrates this perfectly. On New Year’s Day, a few friends and I decided to go for a swim in the sea. It was freezing. Every part of me wanted to stay wrapped up in warmth. But I didn’t. I jumped in. And in that moment, I learned a powerful lesson about pushing through discomfort.

Breaking Through the Excuses

We all have that one task we dread—whether it’s a tough work project, a difficult conversation, or a workout we keep putting off. Excuses are always there, convincing us to take the easy way out. But what if we stopped letting them win?

Don't Think, Just Do

The first step in breaking through excuses is to stop overthinking and take action. This isn’t about willpower—it’s about surrendering to the task at hand.

When I stood at the water’s edge, my mind filled with reasons to stay dry. But I didn’t entertain those thoughts. I just moved.

The same applies to any difficult task. The moment you start debating, excuses take hold. So don’t give them a chance. Just start. Once you're in motion, finishing becomes easier.

Commit to the Task

Once you’ve started, there’s no turning back. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, it will be uncomfortable. But that’s part of the process.

When I was in the water, I wasn’t thinking about how cold it was. I focused on the moment, on being fully present. And you know what? It wasn’t as bad as I expected.

Whatever challenge you’re facing, commit fully. Instead of resisting, embrace the discomfort. You’ll get through it faster than you think.

Focus on the Outcome

The third step in embracing hard things is shifting your focus from the struggle to the reward.

Be Outcome-Led

I knew that jumping into the water wasn’t the real challenge—it was about proving to myself that I could do hard things.

The same applies to your biggest tasks. It’s not about how difficult they feel in the moment—it’s about the growth, progress, and results they bring.

Next time you face a tough challenge, ask yourself:
✅ What will I gain from this?
✅ How will I feel once it’s done?
✅ What long-term impact will this have?

By keeping your eyes on the outcome, pushing through discomfort becomes easier.

Normalize Doing Hard Things

Hard things only feel hard because they’re unfamiliar. The more you face them, the easier they become.

It’s like building a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.

Make it a habit to do one hard thing daily. It doesn’t have to be extreme. It could be:
✔ Tackling a difficult work task first thing in the morning
✔ Speaking up in a meeting
✔ Waking up an hour earlier to exercise

Over time, discomfort stops feeling like an obstacle—it just becomes part of the process.

Be Uncommon

The final step is about setting yourself apart. The reality is, most people avoid difficult things. That’s why those who embrace them stand out.

Choose the Uncommon Path

When I stood at the water’s edge, I had a choice—stay warm like the average person or jump in like the uncommon one. I chose the latter. And in doing so, I proved to myself that I was capable of more than I thought.

Every time you face a tough decision, ask yourself:
➡ “Is this what the average person would do, or is this what an uncommon person would do?”

The uncommon path is where growth happens. It’s where success is built.

Conclusion

The only way to achieve your goals is to embrace the hard stuff. Stop making excuses, take action, commit, focus on the outcome, and be uncommon. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Join the Conversation

How do you push through difficult tasks? Drop your insights in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s make this the year we all embrace the hard stuff and level up.

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