Why Doing Hard Things Matters
In life, we all face difficult situations. Some of these difficult situations can be physical, emotional, or mental. It is important to know what you are capable of, where youâre currently at and even not capable of handlingâonly by taking action can you get that information.
Similarly, the only thing that can prepare you for doing hard things is doing them. Thereâs no secret sauce, certainly no shortcuts, only a path to plot each challenge to face down one at a time.
We will never know the true extent of our potential unless we are put in challenging situations and are forced to overcome them.
Anders Ericsson, author of Peak, described this method of extending our capabilities as a deliberate practice or highly structured activity, the explicit goal of which is to improve performance. Specific tasks are undertaken to overcome weaknesses, and performance is carefully monitored to provide clues for ways to improve it further.
The right kind of practice according to Ericsson works because it challenges your homeostasisâyour natural desire to remain in the status quoâby getting you out of your comfort zone and forcing your body or brain to adapt in turn.
Itâs not enough to practice the same skills over and over again. Youâve got to constantly attempt new, more challenging skillsâadvancing your expertise along the way with the intention of mastering it.
Working in Nobody meant I knew I would have to make tough decisions with a strong dose of discomfort, and show me what it takes to build a great organization and become a world-class leader.
No day is ever easy. But everyday I learn something new about something that is hard.
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