"We unlock our greatness by doing the hard things..."
Diane Nyad and her accomplishments epitomize the saying, "We unlock our greatness by doing the hard things."
Embracing challenges is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and excellence. The idea of doing the hard things – is much like the concept of resistance training in physical workouts. Just as muscles grow stronger when they face resistance, our character, skills, and mental fortitude are honed through the struggles and challenges we endure.
There was once a renowned pianist who, when asked about his success, always recounted his early years of practice. He didn't have the luxury of a piano at home, so he drew a keyboard on his table and practiced for hours each day. The resistance he faced – the absence of a real piano – didn't deter him. Instead, it fueled his imagination and commitment. In time, his fingers became so adept at the motions that when he finally sat before an actual piano, the music flowed as if it had always been a part of him. This tale echoes that the most significant achievements often come from the greatest challenges.
Backing this up with data, Angela Duckworth's research on grit underscores the value of perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Her studies have shown that grit, a powerful blend of determination and direction, is a more reliable predictor of success than talent alone. When we do the hard things and push through the discomfort of the unknown and the difficult, we build this very grit. It's not just about working hard but also about working on the right things that challenge and help us grow.
Consider a growth-oriented approach, where you may set a target to improve a particular skill, whether mastering a new recipe or beating a personal record in triathlon training. The resistance faced in these pursuits is not a signal to retreat but rather an indication that you're on the right path – the path that leads to unlocking greatness within yourself and inspiring it in others.
As we approach the end of the year and reflect on 2023, what were the hard things that you did, and, more importantly, what are the hard things that you will do in the coming year to unlock your greatness?
