If It Feels Hard, You’re on the Right Path

1. Hard is the New Normal

When things feel hard, we often think we’re doing something wrong. But hard doesn’t mean wrong – it means you’re on the right path. Discomfort is the entry ticket to anything worthwhile. It’s the sign that you are trying, learning, and leveling up. From learning a language to managing a team, if it feels hard, that’s progress. Growth never feels easy. That’s why not everyone grows.

2. The Lie of Motivation

Waiting for motivation is like waiting for perfect weather. Sometimes it comes, but most days, you just have to start without it. Your brain will resist when you do something unfamiliar. It will say, “Skip the gym,” or “Let’s try tomorrow.” That voice isn’t truth. It’s comfort speaking. Discomfort is a sign that you are doing the exact thing you need to be doing.

3. Real-Life Example

Shruti, a freelance designer, had amazing skills but avoided client calls because they made her anxious. One day, she faced her fear. She prepared her notes, took deep breaths, and made the call. It was awkward, yes. But she survived. And the more she did it, the less scary it became. Now she leads client meetings with confidence. All because she stopped running from discomfort.

4. Repetition Makes Hard Things Normal

The more you do something uncomfortable, the less power it holds. Like a cold shower, the first few seconds are shocking. But over time, your body adjusts. The same goes for public speaking, waking up early, or lifting weights. Hard becomes habit. Habit becomes identity.

Reflection Questions:

1. What task in your life feels hard but important?
2. When was the last time you pushed through something difficult?
3. How do you usually react when you face resistance?
4. What could you accomplish if you leaned into difficulty daily?
5. What small step can you take toward your “hard” today?