I Don't Want to Take the Easy Way Out

#1hardthing #thetherapizer

I started a YouTube Channel with my brother Dylan called 1 Hard Thing a Day. Our goal is to provide a community of support to help others (and ourselves) be intentional and build a meaningful life.

Life has become increasingly easy while at the same time becoming increasingly challenging. Our instant gratification society has led us to believe that anything hard isn't worth doing, and if it is hard, there is probably a new technology that can do it better, with little effort on our part.

Our ability to dig into difficult and withstand stress is decreasing to the point that if we hear, see, or experience one thing that doesn't feel good, we expect other people to change or fix the problem.

Lately, I have been struggling to write my dissertation. My motivation is low, my productivity is even lower. I have considered quitting a handful of times. Sadly, everyone knows that I am doing this program, and being kind and supportive, they ask me how I'm doing.

I have been shocked recently by how many people have suggested that I just use artificial intelligence to write my paper. Some are joking.....but most are only sort of joking. I normally chuckle at this response and move on, but in reality, it bothers me! I finally realized why!

I am OK with the fact that doing this program is hard! I have worked through and overcome things that aren't considered hard by others. I have also overcome things that most people consider hard. Working through the hard has changed, informed, defined, and shaped me. I am grateful for my struggles and hardships! There are plenty of them I would never want to repeat, but I am still grateful for them. They are a huge part of who I am......and I like who I am!

I could have A.I. write this blog post, help me with my dissertation, create social media posts, write my emails, and frankly, they would probably be better quality. BUT.......Doing the hard work, struggling with it, challenging myself, making mistakes, and pushing into the discomfort means that I have an ownership or power over that knowledge! It is mine and it is part of me!

I will spend the next 9-24 months complaining about my dissertation. I am weary. It has been and continues to be So Much WORK! But, in 9-24 months, I am looking forward to walking across the stage and receiving my diploma. The work, the knowledge, the growth, and the development will be mine! It will not belong to A.I.. It will belong to me.

I want to always be doing something that feels hard! I want to own my growth and accomplishments! I hope that I am always doing something hard!