Let’s talk about making choices. Life can be tricky, and sometimes things get tough. But even when they do, you have the power to choose.
What Does “Choose Your Hard” Mean?
Imagine you’re standing at a crossroads. Both paths look difficult.
Let me give you some examples:
- Learning New Skills or Staying Stagnant: Developing new abilities requires effort, practice, and facing failure. But remaining in your comfort zone leads to missed opportunities and potential regrets. Choose your hard.
- Staying Healthy or Being Unhealthy: Eating right and exercising can be tough. But being overweight is also hard. Choose your hard.
- Saving Money or Being in Debt: Being careful with money isn’t easy. But dealing with money problems is even harder! Choose your hard.
- Building Digital Discipline or Battling Distraction: Setting healthy limits on technology use requires self-control. Being constantly interrupted by notifications diminishes focus and productivity. Choose your hard.
- Taking Responsibility or Blaming Others: Owning your mistakes requires humility and courage. Placing blame elsewhere might feel easier temporarily but prevents growth and damages trust. Choose your hard.
- Consistent Effort or Last-Minute Cramming: Working steadily toward goals takes discipline. Procrastinating and rushing creates stress and often inferior results. Choose your hard.
- Investing in Self-Care or Dealing with Burnout: Making time for rest and rejuvenation might seem indulgent. However, pushing through exhaustion leads to decreased performance and potential health issues. Choose your hard.
In every case, the question lingers… which difficulty will you choose?
No Losers, Only Choosers
In my family, we have a special saying: There are no losers, only learners.
This means every choice is a chance to grow. When things get difficult, remember you’re not failing – you’re learning!
We’re already three full months into the year. Ask yourself:
- Am I doing what I planned?
- Am I moving closer to my goals?
- If not, what can I change today?
Seeking Guidance on the Big Stuff
While many choices are yours alone, some decisions are big and do require consultation with family, friends, or even coworkers. These people can offer perspectives you might not see and help you consider impacts you might miss. Remember though, while their input is valuable, the final choice remains yours.
Here’s the big message:
YOU get to choose your path. When things get hard (and they will), remember that you’re strong enough to keep going.
I challenge you to pick your “hard” today. Which tough road will you walk? The one that makes you stronger, healthier, or more successful?
Go out there and make today awesome – You’ve got this!
