Hiking in California is so cliché – I know, I know. Yet, it is an outdoor activity I genuinely enjoy. I live ten minutes from one of my favorite hiking spots - Rocky Peak. The trail has large boulders you can climb and even a cave of wonders! It is not like the one from Aladdin but it is a pretty dope cave!

I refer to the trail as Nature’s Stairmaster. There are a few flat landings but those are far and few between. So why am talking about my favorite hiking spot? Recently, I went on a solo hike there and y'all, I was struggling!! As I climbed the steep hill, I started talking to myself out loud: “You can do hard things!!” These words encouraged me in the moment and I recognized they apply to everything in my life – and yours too. 

I wanted to share some of the practical ways we can lean into the discomfort of doing “hard things.” This by no means is an exhaustive list or in any specific order of importance. Even more, some of the tips may not apply to your current situation. Take what you need! 

Just Do It

This is where it all starts. What is one “hard thing” you are currently facing? Perhaps it is having a difficult conversation or pursuing a specific goal. What is holding you back? What are you afraid of? Doing hard things can be scary and uncomfortable. Yet, these are the very things that cause us to grow and move into what God has planned for us. Remember, God is with you. He will give you the strength, strategy, and wisdom you need. You just need to ask, listen, and obey.

Watch your words

The inspiration for this post came from a moment of physical weakness. I encouraged myself when I said, “I can do hard things!” Imagine if my response was the opposite in that critical moment. I may have given up and went home. I will be the first to admit I have talked myself out of doing things that challenge me. Full disclosure, I experienced that last week. I was working on this very blog post and began to get discouraged. I said, “No one cares about what I have to say.” That was followed up by, “No one is going to read this anyway. Why spend so much time on it?” Unfortunately, my actions went in the direction of my words. 

We have all heard over and over the immense importance of being intentional with our words. My experience last week was a perfect example of why. I have moved past those feelings and recommitted to watching what I say to myself. In moments of weakness, we have to fight the urge to shrink back. We have to choose words that are in alignment with what God says about us and the call on our lives. Obedience to what God has told us to do must outweigh our discomfort and desire to avoid hard things. 

Pace Yourself

Sometimes during hikes, I walk too fast and then I am winded. If I give a full-out effort in the beginning, I will run out of steam. When it comes to the more challenging areas of our lives, we do not have to do everything all at once. I know this is a broad statement so let's use an example. So you want to start a business. Pacing yourself looks like focusing on one or two tasks to complete each day toward your goal. Taking small, strategic steps each day adds up faster than you realize. Being consistent is the key. 

Take a Break 

Breaks are necessary and look different based on what you are doing. Be intentional not neglect the value of stepping away to recharge. I have realized in my own life this is not mindlessly scrolling social media or watching TV. It may look like journaling, going for a walk, or reading a book. The goal is to be reenergized and refreshed for what lies ahead. 

Don’t go alone

During one of my hikes, I met a fellow hiker on the trail. We started talking and ended up completing the hike together. That day, I went the furthest I have ever gone at Rocky Peak. I still took the breaks I needed but felt an extra surge of strength I had not experienced on my solo hikes.

This was a reminder of the immense value of having the right people to do life with. In some instances, they may not be doing the hard thing with you. However, their encouragement, guidance, support, and wisdom is the push we often need.

I hope one of these tips resonated with you! I would love to hear your take aways and how you do “hard things” in the comments! 

Until Next Time,

Live Audaciously!

Kay Naomi