You have all the ability in the world to change your life. Right now. I know it’s hard. I know you may not know how to start even if you wanted to, and that’s okay. But doesn’t it feel like you’re spinning your wheels? You say you’re going to start next week, or when school is out, or when things slow down, and they just… never really seem to? Why do you think nothing has changed? I don’t know what your answer is, but it’s wrong. Society has conditioned us this way.
Think about it for a minute or two. What are the things that are easy, convenient, effortless, simple to do or attain? When society comes up with something new, is it generally to make something more difficult or less difficult? The answer is right in front of your face. We have fallen in love with “easy” in our society and it is the driving force of our lives. So much so that hard things are TOO hard, and we aren’t familiar with CHOOSING to do hard things because there is always something easier to do. Not necessarily a BETTER thing to do, just easier. And that is not your fault. It is a societal creation. Everything we create is meant to make life easier for the consumer.
We’ve fallen in love with the “if it isn’t easy, what’s something else I can do instead?” attitude. That isn’t separated from any part of our lives. Ever given an iPad to a kid? Ever microwaved food? Ever used a calculator? Ever read Cliff Notes? Ever said, “Well, I walked a lot today”? Ever said, “Let’s just order pizza”? Ever turned a TV channel with a remote control? I think you get the point.
We are OBSESSED with things being easy. It’s leading us down paths that we may not be able to find our way back from. I can say honestly, some people I know are already there. I do have a solution, though. DO HARD THINGS. Then fall in love with that. Embrace walking instead of taking an elevator. Learn a new language, for real. Read a book. Exercise to your maximum effort. Have uncomfortable conversations. Commit to 15 minutes of daily stretching. Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone regularly, as it is in those moments of discomfort where true growth happens.
Lucky for you, i know you already do SOME hard things. When you start doing hard things by choice, you start to develop this discipline. Disciplined people get fulfillment out of their lives. When you develop that discipline, the things that are just part of who you have become, seem hard to everyone else.
We’ve been conditioned to think that somehow because you are disciplined, you don’t enjoy the things that you do. Quite the opposite. Easy does not equal fulfillment OR accomplishment. In fact, it’s often the hardest things in life that bring the greatest sense of satisfaction and achievement.
It’s time to buck the trend. It’s time to take action and initiative. You aren’t a person who wants to follow the norm of society, just looking for the easiest ways to pass the time in your life.
Start doing hard things on purpose. Sign up for that race, then train for it. Be on a mission to get your health in order and then EAT like it. Engage in fitness activities that push your limits, whether it’s running, lifting weights, or participating in a challenging sport. This isn’t just about physical health, but mental and emotional well-being too. Be more present in your own life and the lives of people around you. Quit scrolling and start interacting. I know, I know… it helps you wind down. I’m going to disagree. It’s easy for you to do, so that’s what you do when you pretend that you are winding down. Read. Meditate. Do breathwork. These activities can help you wind down in a more meaningful way, fostering real relaxation and mental clarity.
Become a better version of you. People who think wanting to change isn’t healthy don’t understand that staying the same isn’t even possible for them because they are changing too, as we speak. Embrace this change with purpose and intention, guiding it towards positive outcomes. Understand that growth and improvement are lifelong processes, and every small step you take in doing hard things is a step towards a better you. Do Hard Things. Have discipline. Don’t take EASY when you know why “easy” is there. Seek out challenges and meet them head-on. Develop a mindset that sees hard work as a pathway to personal growth and fulfillment.
In a world that constantly seeks the path of least resistance, be the person who embraces resistance and overcomes it. This is how you transform your life, not just in the gym or fitness center, but in every aspect of your existence. By cultivating this mindset, you can inspire others around you to do the same.
Whether it’s your friends, family, or colleagues, your commitment to hard work and discipline can be contagious, creating a ripple effect of positive change. This isn’t just about physical fitness, but about building a life filled with purpose, resilience, and true satisfaction.