Do Hard Things
That is the theme of the ALX program I’m doing.
Do. Hard. Things.
In the beginning, it was very easy to trivialize, and I did. However, in this ray of clarity, I realize, isn’t this life’s general theme?
Everyday we wake up from the comfort of our beds to go out in search of the uncertainties of the world.
Life is hard. Let’s not lie. So, are they asking us to…do…life?
I think for me, one of the hardest things is making decisions. I’m so used to the guiding gaze or nudge of either parents, that I can find it hard to make even the simplest decisions on my own. It’s even harder if it’s something that can affect the trajectory of my life, just because I need to be right. Everyone expects you to just know, you know? But you don’t. You really just don’t.
But, you can’t know. At least not 100%. As much as life is hard by default, I think a recurring theme I see among successful people who have made it from the ground up, is not being afraid to do hard things. Life is already difficult, yet they choose hard(er) things and do them. Does that make sense?
An example that come to mind is Henry Ford. Now it could have been hard, but certainly easier to invent something that works with horses. You know, just make the process more efficient. The wheel and car could have been invented but probably much later and by someone else. But my guy decided to pioneer something different and persevere until its adoption. Now this might be an overtly simplistic analogy, but you get the point.
Another example is Elon Musk. Another pioneer. Choosing to challenge our ideas on space and renewable energy. This idea of doing hard things, could even be distilled down to ordinary things like pursuing art instead of a sure path to a sure income like medicine.
One of the biggest regrets people seem to have on their death beds, is not living a life true to themselves. I can imagine that the reason this even comes up, is because it’s hard to be authentic. It’s hard to figure out what you want, and even harder to pursue it relentlessly.
So I guess the point of the write-up is to encourage you to do hard things. Its certainly going to be hard (duh-uh). But I promise you, if you don’t give up and if you’re agile in your approach, even if you don’t seem to have all the answers, something great is on your path.
Think of your role models. Think of how much it took them to get where they are. I think one of the greatest mistakes people make is underestimating how much work and sacrifice it will take them to achieve their dreams, and that is where they quit.
Don’t lose the picture. It might take 1 year, or 3 or 20. As long as you keep doing the hard things, they get easier (think muscle memory and strength training).
I was gonna end this with a quote in my original draft, but it’s since been lost.
So it’s bye for now, x.
