Growth Lives in the Hard Things

Growth Lives in the Hard Things

When we talk about growth, most people focus on strengthening their strengths. They repeat what they’re already good at, staying in the comfort zone where confidence lives. But true growth happens in the opposite direction — in the weaknesses, the hard things, the places we avoid.

It’s in doing what we don’t want to do that transformation happens. Whether that means waking up to a cold shower, running in cold weather, lifting weights that push your limit, or cleaning out the space you’ve ignored for months — those are the moments where mental toughness is built. Every time we put a demand on the muscle or the mind, it grows stronger.

When you intentionally seek challenge, you build momentum. And when momentum builds, discipline begins to feel natural. That momentum becomes a growth mindset in action — the willingness to keep doing what’s hard, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Over time, this practice expands your focus, your awareness, and your self-control. Your discipline starts driving at a higher speed, and your resilience becomes your default setting. You start to face hard things as opportunities rather than obstacles.

Some people sign up for extreme events like 24-hour runs, ultra-marathons, CrossFit competitions, or cold plunges. But hardship doesn’t always need to be extreme — it can be as simple as doing the things you resist every day. Reading when you’d rather scroll. Listening to a podcast instead of staying in the noise. Writing when you don’t feel like creating.

Each small act of discipline grows mental strength. You develop an internal culture where there’s no room for excuses, blame, or whining. You become someone who respects adversity instead of fearing it.

And that’s leadership. People don’t follow those who have it easy — they follow those who face hard things with purpose, consistency, and grace.

Leadership begins within. When you develop your own mind, body, and spirit, you naturally lead others toward doing the same. You don’t have to talk about it — your presence does the talking.

That’s something I’ve had to work on in my own life. For me, one of the hardest things has been being fully present with my family. When I’m with my wife, my mind often drifts toward my daughter. When I’m with my daughter, I start thinking about my wife. Even in daily tasks — when I’m reading, I think I should be cleaning; when I’m cleaning, I think I should be reading.

True growth, I’ve learned, is collapsing those thoughts into five-second moments of complete presence. When you do that, everything changes — the connection, the focus, the joy.

Being present is its own form of mental toughness. It’s not about conquering mountains; it’s about conquering distraction. And when you face the hard things — whether they’re in the gym, at work, or in your own thoughts — you create space to lead, love, and serve at a higher level.

So, find what’s hard today. Do that. Grow there.