The Power of Choosing Hard

Our willingness to confront adversity that propels us forward.

In a world often dominated by convenience, dynamic leaders stand out when they come to embrace challenges. Doing one hard thing every day, even when the easy way is available, can be a game-changer.

This doesn’t have to be solely about the action itself. Instead, it's about the building of resilience and character — cultivating a mindset where adversity isn't something to fear, but rather a growth opportunity to lean into.

Embracing Friction

Choosing the hard way means willingly subjecting ourselves to discomfort. Just as a blade needs friction to become sharper and more effective, dynamic leaders comprehend that life's most significant tests often involve our ability to persevere through adversity. Life is sure to knock us down, but our response and ability to rise is how we take our power back.

Resilience Unleashed

Resilience is a trait every great leader possesses. By consistently choosing the hard way, we build a reservoir of resilience. The daily challenges we face become stepping stones for handling stress, uncertainty, and change with greater grace, compassion, and perspective.

The Compound Effect

The beauty of embracing challenges is its compounding effect. Each victory, no matter how large or small, enhances our capacity to lead and empower.

When we cultivate the determination to tackle obstacles head-on, this leaves a ripple effect that extends into how we show up for our teams.

As we step into this new day and month, let's commit to embracing the daily challenge of choosing hard by honing in on the following three mindsets:

  1. Embrace the Challenge: Seek the hard path less traveled; that's where our true strength and power lies.

  2. Build Resilience: View obstacles as growth opportunities and transform minor setbacks into major comebacks.

  3. Compound Your Efforts: Small daily victories have a significant impact on our lives. The little things make big things happen.

Let's remember on this journey of life and leadership, it’s our willingness to confront adversity that propels us forward — and equips us with the tools and grit to make a meaningful impact on ourselves and those we lead.