I like a challenge, and I never take the easy way.
Present me two paths to the top of the mountain, and without fail, I will always choose the one that’s steeper, full of obstacles and more technical.
My natural inclination is to go for the harder version of something because if it’s challenging than it means more in the end. It is more worthy of respect and admiration. It makes me feel more worthy. Harder is better.
And I have an endless collection of examples to demonstrate this. I opted for harder classes in school (An “Easy A?” No, thanks, not for me). In college, while my peers registered for late classes so they could sleep in, I was up by 4:30 am at least five days a week to get on the river. Few rowers lasted all four years, but I did.
And when I scratch a little deeper, I come up with other examples: I dated men who were difficult to love; I filled my schedule, so it was nearly impossible to see the people I love; and I procrastinated on everything—just to make something that should be incredibly straightforward more challenging.
Harder was worthy. It was better. It was something more.
Can you relate? Are you nodding your head? I know I am not alone in feeling this way. I’ve talked with many of my peers about this, and I think it is more common than anyone might think, especially for high-achieving leaders.
You may be thinking, so, what’s wrong with doing something the hard way?
When I asked myself this question and looked in more deeply, I found that by making pretty much EVERYTHING harder than it needed to be, it was having a major impact on:
- My health (stress and anxiety)
- My relationships with my husband, son, friends, and family
- My ability to make money
- My work towards my achieving goals
- Starting my business
- Losing weight
And it should be noted that EACH OF THESE THINGS ARE HARD ENOUGH ALREADY! Right?
So, here are some questions for your own personal reflection. What are you making harder for yourself? How is it working out for you? How is your love for a challenge impacting other areas of your life?
For me, it took working with my master coach to help me see this destructive pattern. With this awareness and through the continued help of my coaches, I am growing into a leader who doesn’t make things harder than they need to be.
I can do hard things. I don’t need to make things harder for myself to feel better or more worthy of something. I can take the easier path to the top of the mountain, and the view from the top is just as sweet.
If you’re interested in exploring coaching and how it can help you get out of your own way and uplevel your life, email me at ellie@successfulgenerations.com or schedule a free consultation call today.
