As humans, we naturally seek comfort, so when faced with a difficult task, whether writing this blog post, doing a hard workout, or having that difficult conversation with someone, we often prefer to avoid, deny, or put these things off. Sometimes we think that it shouldn’t be complicated or that we shouldn’t be feeling this way, but what can help at the moment is acknowledging that it is hard and letting it be so. Let’s say your trainer gives you alarmingly heavy dumbbells, instead of trying to distract them from counting out all the reps, you can literally tell yourself to ‘let it be hard’ or that ‘it is supposed to be hard’ and allow yourself to feel the discomfort (as long as it is not painful. The discomfort is what grows it, and strangely enough, acknowledging it can help. 

Learning and Adaptability: When we allow things to be hard, we create a space for learning and adaptation. We stretch our boundaries and expand our capabilities. By embracing challenges, we develop new skills, gain valuable experiences, and build a toolkit of strategies to overcome future obstacles. The difficulties we encounter become the stepping stones to personal and professional advancement.

Building Resilience: Resilience is a crucial attribute for navigating the ups and downs of life. When we let things be challenging, we strengthen our resilience muscle. We learn to persevere in adversity, bounce back from setbacks, and develop a tenacious mindset. Each challenge we overcome becomes a testament to our resilience, empowering us to face future difficulties with confidence and grace.

Self-Discovery: Allowing things to be hard also enables self-discovery. It pushes us to examine our values, beliefs, and motivations. When confronted with difficulty, we uncover hidden strengths, untapped potential, and previously unknown aspects of ourselves. By leaning into discomfort, we embark on a journey of self-awareness, deepening our understanding of who we are and what we can achieve.

Expanded Comfort Zone: We extend our comfort zone by repeatedly embracing the hard. What was once intimidating becomes familiar, and what seemed impossible becomes achievable. We become more adaptable and open to taking on new challenges. Our comfort zone evolves, enabling us to tackle increasingly complex tasks and pursue ambitious goals. As a result, our capacity for growth becomes limitless.

While it may seem counterintuitive, letting things be hard can tremendously benefit personal development. Embracing discomfort allows us to learn, adapt, build resilience, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. By accepting the challenges that come our way, we expand our comfort zone and create opportunities for growth and transformation. So, the next time you encounter a difficult situation, remember that allowing it to be hard may be the catalyst for your most significant achievements. Embrace the hard; I promise this will lead to growth.

If you would like coaching around this or any other topic, I welcome you to book a connection call.

Melanie