Do Hard Things

“They’re all very individualistic, they’re all very self-focused, they’re also all delusional. ‘Believe in yourself and anything is possible’? Nope, it’s just not true.”

The authoritarian style creates the appearance of discipline without actually fostering it.

to venture away from and come back to. We can handle fear and pressure because we know that if we do fail, we will still be loved and valued.

Lasting self-esteem doesn’t come from being told that we are great. It comes from doing the actual work and making real connections.

High performers are able to work their way through adversity and challenge with the same equanimity. When put in situations that require toughness, it’s not that they are bulldozing through the experiences; they navigate them with grit and grace.

about it. Emotions move us from nudge to shove.

Too often, we get stuck in the rut of apathy, because we haven’t flexed our hopeful muscle. Small actions that remind you that you have a choice go a long way to training the ability to put your brain back online.

“The key to being able to handle the pain and uncertainty?” Cleather quipped, “Accepting the pain. Not fighting it.”

We often equate toughness with persistence, but in some cases, it’s the exact opposite. Toughness is navigating the inner turmoil in order to make a good decision. Sometimes that’s to persist. Other times it’s to quit.