“Mistakes are a part of life,” I told her, “but what you did this time was really unexpected. I am really proud of you!”
My eleven-year-old daughter had a project week in her school. She had to pick a topic, learn, experiment, and make a final presentation to the whole school at the end of the week. There were several topics, all around the central theme of the circus. Activities like cooking, dancing, painting, recording, etc. Many of the topics were familiar to her, but not the one she chose: driving a unicycle.
Every day, she returned home excited about her improvement. She was determined to challenge herself, and at the end of the week, even though she was nervous, she did it. Was it perfect? Far from it. But her sense of accomplishment was incredible. More importantly, it reminded her that she can tackle intimidating tasks. She also taught me that I need to challenge myself more, too.
We all face obstacles in life. But what if I told you that those very obstacles could be your greatest opportunity for growth?
Nat Eliason's insight on the importance of doing hard things resonates deeply. It's not just about overcoming challenges – it's about building a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.
Think about it:
1. Your past shapes your future. Every difficult task you conquer becomes evidence of your capabilities. It's like building a highlight reel of your own potential.
2. Small wins lead to big confidence. Tackling tough problems in one area of life makes other challenges seem more manageable. That chemistry class you aced? It's fuel for tackling your next work project.
3. Avoiding difficulty limits you. When we shy away from hard things, even minor setbacks can feel overwhelming. Don't let fear hold you back from your true potential.
4. It's a gift to yourself. Proving you can handle tough situations is empowering. It's an investment in your future self.
So, how can you start embracing difficulty?
• Set a small, challenging goal outside your comfort zone.
• Celebrate your efforts, not just the outcomes.
• Reflect on past accomplishments when facing new obstacles.
Remember: You are capable of more than you realize. By consistently pushing your boundaries, you're not just solving problems – you're building a stronger, more confident you.
What's one hard thing you'll tackle this week?