Do hard things to propel yourself and your career into a season to bloom
When you do hard things there’s this undeniable sense of achievement. Accomplishing something that initially posed as daunting. In the context of work, the more you do hard things, the more it promotes growth. Instead of limiting your potential, take on the hard and challenge yourself. Eventually, as spring arrives like a renewal after the harsh depths of winter - you too will transform after putting in the effort to enhance your professional abilities. Moving your career into a season to bloom with you thriving in your job.
But purposefully choosing to do the hard things is for many a tough choice to make.
If you’re in the throes of adulting, it’s probably dawned on you that no matter what you do, you will face hardships. It’s a tug-o-war which often plays out in our minds when we want to make a critical change. Whether it be a more senior position, a task we believe we’re not capable of tackling or finding an entirely new job. It could also be furthering your studies or venturing out to start your own business. We know we will encounter and must do hard things. Often dragging ourselves out of our comfort zones.
While providing cushioning at first, the long-term impact of the comfort zone could also be the reason why you’re feeling so stuck.
For those of us who deem ourselves creatures of habit and live by a stringent code of routine, change is pretty scary. We oppose and resist even the mere idea of shaking things up. Instead, holding firmly onto our apparent comfort zone of the known.
But how would businesses, start-ups, roles of seniority or different positions, new jobs, projects and goals come to fruition if we never change? If we never take a chance. Let’s face it, most of us want to take a leap of faith and elevate our careers. Often over time, that comfort zone probably starts to feel, not as comfy anymore.
That’s where all this business of choosing the hard comes into play. Or as the popular trending motivational theme on the socials goes “choose your hard”. According to https://ayotheauthor.com/choose-your-hard/ it stems from this quote below to give food for thought when you have two sides of the coin – none of them an easy option.
“Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard. Choose your hard.
Obesity is hard. Being fit is hard. Choose your hard.
Being in debt is hard. Being financially disciplined is hard. Choose your hard.
Communication is hard. Not communicating is hard. Choose your hard.
Life will never be easy. It will always be hard. But we can choose our hard.
Pick wisely.” — Unknown
In some circles they disagree with the idea of being able to “choose your hard”. Arguing that it is inevitable and there’s not much choice in the matter. But life is a constant flurry of smaller decisions. Ultimately, if there’s purpose and intent behind certain choices we make, you can help effect real change to steer your life into a different trajectory.
When you choose the hard, you make the decision to commit to doing what it takes. To stay in it for the long haul despite the difficult things you will have to endure. Any change requires a choice of committing to doing the hard bits before reaping the reward.
Transformational Coach Jo Cowlin describes choosing hard in a workplace scenario.
“It’s challenging to give feedback to a team member who isn’t performing well, but it’s even harder to deal with the repeated mistakes that follow. Saying no to a meeting with your boss can be tough, but knowing you could have spent your time more efficiently is harder. Coaching your team to think independently is hard, but them becoming dependent on you for every decision is even more draining.”
In a world where many seek instant gratification, Cowlin says it’s usually at the “expense of future hardships”.
She further states that: “Choosing your hard is about evaluating your choices in light of your goals. It’s about sacrificing short-term ease for long-term gain.”
Here are 3 factors to take into consideration when making the hard choice:
Identify the Two Paths –
The “Hard” of Growth: This involves discipline, effort, and facing discomfort for long-term gains, such as building skills, maintaining health, or pursuing significant goals.
The “Hard” of Inaction/Regret: This path involves avoiding difficulty in the short term, but it often leads to a life of unfulfilled potential, regret, and greater challenges down the road.
Embrace Growth Through Struggle –
Understanding that facing and overcoming difficult challenges is a powerful way to achieve significant self-discovery and growth.
Give Yourself Grace –
Recognize that choosing your hard isn’t a one-time decision, but a continuous process. It’s okay for your chosen path to change, and you should be kind to yourself throughout the process.
Share this story