It goes without saying that doing difficult things is challenging. This varies from person to person—some find it hard to exercise, while others struggle with eating more nutritious food. Other challenges might include managing time, finances, or mental and physical energy.
Our Western mindset often rewards those who take on the most exhausting challenges, glorifying struggle for the sake of bravado. But this approach can hold you back because it focuses on intensity rather than meeting yourself where you are.
Just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it has to be excruciating.
Here’s what I mean.
If you already find something challenging, there’s no reason to make it harder than necessary.
For example, if exercise feels overwhelming, the issue may be your approach. Many people believe they need to spend hours in the gym, training endlessly, with soreness and sweat as proof of effort.
This isn’t true at all.
If you’re new to exercise, start with something simple that you can stick to—just 5–15 minutes at a time. As it becomes easier, you can build on it.
The same applies to nutrition. Instead of eliminating everything “unhealthy” overnight, start small. Try adding one new nutritious meal per week or gradually reducing sugar intake by replacing it over time.
The point is, when facing a challenge, choose the path of least resistance. You’re more likely to succeed with an approach that feels manageable rather than one that seems impossible from the start. As you progress, you can take on more difficult tasks, but you won’t get there if you don’t start.
At the end of the day, your brain and body don’t recognize the specifics of the challenge—only that you took action.