We should do hard things because they shape us into resilient and confident learners. When we embrace challenges that push us out of our comfort zones, we not only learn more about ourselves, but we also develop the mental fortitude to overcome any obstacle.
For all my life I’ve been allergic to the Sun. Despite this limitation, I have embarked on multi-day cycling trips, hiked exposed backcountry terrain, and lived in East Africa. This past week our family joined three others at the Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre, which is awesome, and we witnessed out kiddos do hard things and grow from the experiences.
From high ropes courses to epic sand structure creation, let’s delve into why doing hard things is crucial for personal growth and development.
Learning and Growth
When we engage in challenging tasks, we acquire new skills and knowledge. These experiences force us to think critically, problem-solve, and adapt, all of which contribute to intellectual, emotional, and physical growth.
Building confidence
Solving problems and tacking challenges enables a sense of accomplishment. This success boosts our self-confidence, encouraging us to tackle even more challenging endeavors. Trusting in our abilities, especially our ability to adapt and grow in amidst uncertainty, is essential for confidently completing tasks, building new relationships, or learning new skills in the ever changing world of work.
Resilience
Facing adversity head-on cultivates resilience. It teaches us to bounce back from setbacks, keep pushing forward, and maintain a positive outlook, no matter the circumstances. This mental toughness is invaluable as humans adapt to the disruption of work by AI and the disruption of our neighbourhoods by climate change.
Comfort zones limit our potential because they keep us safe. When we embrace challenges, we expand our horizons, opening ourselves up to new experiences, perspectives, and opportunities we might never have encountered otherwise. Doing hard things uncovers insights about our values, ethics, and principles, too. Through these challenges, we develop integrity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.
What hard thing will you try next?