Choose the Hard Way on Purpose

Do you do anything, on a daily basis, that gives you a nervous tingle? That sensation you get if something is scary, or unpleasant, but you do it anyway?

I recently read the New York Times article, “The Benefits of Getting an Icy Start to the Day” by Carl Richards. He turns the water to icy cold for the last two minutes of his shower every day. Yikes! He does this not because he loves cold water, but because it’s difficult. In the article, Carl Richards says “The biggest benefit I get from taking cold showers is … that it’s really hard to do.” Ever tried turning the tap to cold? It’s hard to do. He’s building his willpower muscle daily.

Why else is it worthwhile? Richards says, “The world is full of hard and scary things. We are at our best when we can tackle them bravely and confidently, not when we are accustomed to shying away.” I can feel myself shy away from all kinds of things. The uncomfortable conversation that needs to happen, the hard (maybe boring) work that needs to go into researching a property. I'm building the habit of feeling resistance and then doing an uncomfortable task anyway!

I get that nervous tingle before I click submit on posting a new blog. I get that discomfort before having the awkward conversation with my property manager about repairs that I feel are excessive. I’ve been turning my shower to icy cold daily. I don’t do it for a full two minutes since I live in California and we have a drought. I can feel myself shy away from the moment, but turn the tap to cold anyway.  This is my ONE thing right now, and remember there can be only one.

What things to you choose to do, specifically because they are hard? Please let me know in the comments.