Embrace the Hard Things

Embrace the Hard Things

When it comes time to write my blog posts, I think through the specific challenges I’ve dealt with throughout the week or other adjacent weeks in very close proximity. After all, the whole reason I do this COO thing is so I can invest and pour into those employees, clients, and partners that I care so deeply about. I want to share the things I’ve learned that others can benefit from and create success and fulfillment for those I have chosen to embrace in my circle.

This has been a challenging week. It’s also been incredibly fulfilling. A younger me would never have dared to take on such impossible tasks with so little chance to succeed, but the wiser and older me yearns for the challenge, and the opportunity to prove to myself that I can succeed against the odds. This is a mindset that anyone who hopes to achieve greatness should embrace wholly.

Jim Collins created what is probably one of the most popular and recognizable tangible manifestations of this concept in his book “Good to Great” and the iconic BHAG. These goals are so challenging that they force teams and individuals to develop new capabilities, realize new heights, and discover things about themselves that might otherwise never have come to be. I believe the discomfort of taking on these challenges is exactly the necessary catalyst for growth – not just professionally, but personally as well. Dare to Lead by Brene Brown explains it as courage in vulnerability, acknowledging the risk in confronting obstacles head-on even if it is scary. You do it because it is necessary and there is no other way.

If you know me personally, you know I live much of my life according to little quips of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way, my own personal Poor Richard’s Almanac. “All growth happens outside the comfort zone.” You may have heard it phrased as, “No Pain, No Gain” or “Necessity breeds innovation”. The concept is time-tested, tried and true, and has lasted throughout the ages. Only the nature of the challenges change – we’re just trying to build something we can be proud of instead of outrunning/outsmarting the sabretooth tiger.

I’m not sharing anything groundbreaking here, and this isn’t an original idea. I’m just confirming and reaffirming what you already know – if you want to get better, you must brave the reality of the obstacles you face and commit to overcoming them, which will build skills and competence you never thought achievable… and that’s how you win.

If you want a partner that embraces the hard things and will walk alongside you despite fear, uncertainty, or doubt – connect with me and let’s find out what we can achieve.