I Can Do Hard Things and So Can You

It's good to do uncomfortable things. It's weight training for life." —Anne Lamott

I tend to avoid things that I perceive are uncomfortable or difficult.  I will delay working on them, and spend my time stewing over how difficult or uncomfortable they are.  My stress levels will shoot through the roof as I think about how hard the task is.

As an example, I have to process some paperwork on a website.  I took one look at the brochure for it and became stressed.  I abruptly started talking about how confusing the brochure was, and how hard this was going to be.  

I put the brochure in a pile of paperwork on the kitchen counter, and I haven’t looked at it again since a week ago.  Even though I haven’t looked at the brochure in a week, I have thought about it every day.

I have allowed this paperwork to stress me out for a week.  Likely, this paperwork is not nearly as difficult as I thought it was.  I need to pick it up and get started on it.  Once I am done with it, I can erase it from my worrying thoughts.

Even if it is hard, I have to remember that I can do hard things.  Completing this task will boost my confidence and reduce my anxiety.  The time to act is now.

What task is overwhelming and fills you with dread?  I have faith that you can do hard things, so get started.  Share your successes in the comments.  I want to celebrate your achievements.