Choose Your Hard: Embracing Challenges for Growth and Well-Being

May 22

Over the past 10 weeks, I’ve embarked on a journey of early morning workouts, setting my alarm for 5:20 am to squeeze in a sweat session before the day begins. For some, this routine may seem effortless, but for me, it’s a daily challenge that pushes me out of my comfort zone. This experience has taught me a valuable lesson: in life, we often have to choose our hard.

Choosing my hard extends beyond the realm of fitness and encompasses various aspects of life:

1. Consistent Exercise: Committing to regular workouts, even when motivation is lacking, requires discipline and perseverance.

2. Healthy Eating Habits: Prioritizing nutritious meals, even during busy or travel-filled days, involves planning and mindful choices.

3. Difficult Conversations: Initiating discussions to mend relationships or address business concerns, despite discomfort, requires courage and vulnerability.

4. Prioritizing Sleep: Opting for an early bedtime over late-night TV shows, despite temptations, is essential for restorative sleep and overall well-being.

5. Early Mornings: Waking up before dawn to tackle tasks, rather than sleeping in, demands sacrifice and determination.

While these choices may seem challenging in the moment, they ultimately contribute to our growth and well-being in the long run.

Now, you might be wondering, what does this have to do with rehab? Well, the concept of choosing your hard is equally relevant in the realm of rehabilitation and pain management. Often, individuals make choices driven by short-term gratification, ego, or misguided advice from healthcare professionals, inadvertently making their lives harder in the process.

Here are some ways you can apply the “choose your hard” mindset to rehab and training:

1. Prioritize Sleep: Skip a workout if you’ve slept less than 6 hours, prioritizing rest and recovery over exercise.

2. Commit to Rehab: Stick with a rehabilitation plan for a minimum of 3 months, even if it feels monotonous or less intense.

3. Set Boundaries with Entertainment: Opt for an earlier bedtime, resisting the temptation of late-night entertainment.

4. Consistent Training: Stick to a structured workout schedule, even if it means skipping a “fun” workout on your designated rest day.

5. Plan Rest Days: Incorporate regular rest days into your training routine, prioritizing recovery to prevent burnout and injuries.

Choosing your hard may initially seem daunting, but it’s a powerful mindset that fosters resilience, discipline, and personal growth. I encourage you to pick one area where you can apply this principle and commit to it for the next 30 days. Remember, you are capable of doing hard things, and each challenge you overcome brings you one step closer to your goals. Embrace the discomfort, lean into the challenges, and watch yourself grow stronger with each choice you make.