Embrace the Consequences: The Power of 'Choose Your Hard' in Life
Terri-Ann Richards
It's time for a happier, healthier approach to high performance - that's where I come in!
Two years ago, I decided to embrace the mantra "Choose Your Hard," a guiding principle that encourages me to understand the trade-offs inherent in my everyday decisions. It actually sits on my desk as a visual reminder of the decisions I am making each day on the path to reaching my goals.
This potent quote reiterates an essential universal truth – every choice we make comes with its unique set of challenges. We often have the freedom to choose our course of action, but the consequences, whether positive or negative, strike with the force of inevitability.
"Choose Your Hard" is more than just a captivating motto – it's a philosophy that underlines the power in acknowledging and owning the natural complexities of our choices. Just as in life, there's no easy route to success; instead, success is derived from the conscious decision to tackle our chosen hard head-on.
Consider this example. Should you, or should you not, go to the gym? Both options present their own brand of challenges. Opting out of the gym might mean enjoying more freedom in your schedule, getting more time to catch up with friends, and indulging in your favorite guilty pleasures. However, this decision also likely means dealing with the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, potentially compromising your health and well-being.
Conversely, choosing to hit the gym regularly is indeed hard. You have to sacrifice some leisure time, endure physical exertion, and commit to a rigid regimen. The benefits, though, are numerous: improved health, enhanced physical appearance, increased stamina and energy, to name a few great ones.
Other practical examples of 'Choose Your Hard' in everyday life?
There are countless real-world scenarios where the "Choose Your Hard" mantra can be incredibly applicable. Here are some relatable examples:
Building Relationships: Relationships, whether personal or professional, demand time and effort. Do you choose to invest your energy in building and maintaining these relationships, or do you opt for the seemingly less demanding path of isolation? The latter, though seems easier, could lead to loneliness, a lack of support, and missed opportunities. On the other hand, investing in relationships can be hard at times, but it usually grants you a rich network of support, love, and shared experiences.
Financial Discipline: There's always a struggle between immediate gratification and long-term financial stability. Do you indulge in that expensive purchase now, or do you put that money into your retirement fund? The immediate gratification might feel good in the moment but could lead to financial stress and instability in the long run. Alternatively, maintaining financial discipline can be tough in the face of temptation, but it leads to a feeling of security and independence over time. You have to decide if you want the hard of financial discipline or the hard of monetary difficulties.
How can the 'Choose Your Hard' philosophy enhance your career progression?
Within the realm of career development, the 'Choose Your Hard' framework becomes a potent tool for personal and professional growth. Every career path bears its own set of challenges, whether it's spearheading a startup, climbing the corporate ladder, or making an industry pivot. You could choose the discomfort of stagnation, become complacent in a role that doesn't utilize your full potential, or you could elect to tackle the difficulties of progression head-on. This philosophy invites you to actively select the 'hard' that propels you towards your professional goals, rather than settling into the familiar 'hard' of routine and unfulfillment.
Determining your 'hard' involves self-assessment, goal setting, and habituating resiliency in the face of adversity. You might need to pursue further education, dedicate time to network, take on challenging projects, or even endure the uncertainty of job transition. Although these choices may feel intimidating initially, they are 'hards' that align with career progression, offering you ample opportunity for learning, growth, and development.
"Choose Your Hard" encourages agency and accountability in your professional life decisions. Remember, stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging the status quo opens up new horizons, equipping you with a versatility that will truly set you apart in your career journey. Every 'hard' successfully tackled potentially brings you one step closer to realizing your full potential.
It’s crucially constructive to reiterate to yourself now and then: growth is uncomfortable, progress is hard, but so is staying in a place that doesn’t serve your aspirations. The world of progress might be steep, but it's far more rewarding than the flatland of complacency. Decide your 'hard', draw power from your selections, and create a career trajectory that resonates with your aspirations and strength.
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Real-world examples of other folks "Choosing their Hard":
In the context of relationships, the journey of Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor and author, serves as an example of 'Choose Your Hard'. Brown, who has spent decades studying vulnerability, courage, and empathy, has often spoken about the difficulties she faced in her marriage. She and her husband chose their hard by deciding to go to therapy and work on their issues, rather than ignoring them or choosing divorce. This choice, while difficult, led to a stronger and more fulfilling relationship.
In the professional sphere, the story of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, embodies the 'Choose Your Hard' mantra. Blakely started her career selling fax machines door-to-door, a job she found frustrating and unfulfilling. She chose her hard by deciding to start her own business, which meant facing the challenges of entrepreneurship, such as financial risk and long hours, over the dissatisfaction of her previous job. Today, she is a self-made billionaire, demonstrating the power of choosing your hard in career.
In the realm of fitness, a prime example of 'Choose Your Hard' is the story of David Goggins. Goggins, a retired Navy SEAL, ultramarathon runner, and triathlete, was once 300 pounds and struggled with obesity. He chose his hard by deciding to transform his life through rigorous physical training and diet. He faced the difficulty of intense workouts and strict dieting over the hardship of health issues related to obesity. His story is a testament to the transformative power of choosing your hard in fitness.
Lastly, the story of Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, is a testament to 'Choose Your Hard'. Musk chose his hard by deciding to invest his own money into his companies when they were on the brink of bankruptcy during the 2008 financial crisis. He faced the difficulty of potential financial ruin over the hardship of seeing his companies fail. Today, both SpaceX and Tesla are highly successful, showing the power of choosing your hard in business and innovation.
The essence of humanity lies in our ability to make choices. In this sea of options, however, each decision we make is a double-edged sword - it carries consequences, for better or for worse.
So the question I ask is this: Which 'hard' are you embracing? Is it the one propelling you towards your dreams, or is it pushing you further away?
Cheers to choosing your hard!
Terri-Ann Richards is the founder of Lighthouse Leaders Group a boutique leadership development coaching and workplace happiness training company, and is a highly sought after professional speaker.
With over two decades of diverse industry experience, Terri-Ann's unyielding commitment to understanding audiences is reflected in her personalized approach to every training session and keynote speech. She helps leaders and their teams develop the human-skills required to both grow and navigate in our ever changing environment.