Do Something Hard This Year

It's January 1st 2023. Forget resolutions you won't follow. Try this instead.

Do something hard.

Do something hard you've never done before. Something new. Something you don't think you can do. Perhaps something you've never considered.

Why? Because it will change you. It will make you a better person not just for having accomplished a hard thing, but during the process of pursuing it. It will reset your frame of reference. Next time something difficult pops up in your life, it will be insignificant compared to the hard thing you've done. It will introduce novelty into your life and make you try new things in different ways in order to accomplish your hard thing. You'll meet new people, get fitter, become mentally tougher, and learn new things.

“Easy choices, hard life. Hard choices, easy life.”

- Jerzy Gregorek

A great hard thing to do is something physical because in the process of pursuing your hard thing, your health and fitness will improve. Races are great because they provide a specific event you can participate in and give you a deadline and structure. Running a marathon or doing a triathlon or a Spartan Race are great examples. Pick something that has meaning for you. Something with a "why." If someone asks why you're doing your hard thing, you should have a good answer. An answer that will hold up when you're exhausted outside training in a blizzard.

How to do something hard this year:

1. Decide on the hard thing you're going to do. Pick something specific and concrete that will stretch your abilities but is attainable. If the furthest you've ever run is a 5K, do a half marathon. If you've run marathons, do a 50 miler. Pick something and put it on your calendar.

2. Sign up NOW. Don't procrastinate or leave yourself an easy out. If you do, you'll take it. Pay for the event. It's better if it's non-refundable.

3. Get an accountability partner. Tell them what you're going to do and that their job is to keep you on track. This way, they can hold you accountable, and you can inspire them to do their hard own hard thing.

Once you resolve to do your hard thing, own it. Tell people what you're doing and why. Invite people to help you train. There will be times when you'll want to quit. Your inner crybaby will be whining. Remember your why.

You're never going to be as young as you are now. There's never going to be a better time. Stop making excuses. It's 2023. Get out there and do something hard.

"When you are tough on yourself, life is going to be infinitely easier on you."

- Zig Ziglar

P.S. If you need an accountability partner, let me know.

Tell us the hard thing you're doing this year in the comments!