We have all thought those words on numerous occasions in all different kinds of contexts. I know I have.
Whether it’s dieting, exercising, looking for a new job, getting through organic chemistry, or learning to drive, it’s always harder than we think or expect. Or maybe we knew intellectually it would be difficult, but nothing quite prepares you for the reality. It still sucks.
It makes you want to give up, pick up your ball and go home. Call it a day.
And that’s okay. In fact, I’d argue that if you’re not thinking those words or feeling that way, then your goal is too easy. It’s not really a challenge. Feeling distressed and overwhelmed is just a normal part of the process. It doesn’t feel good, but it’s where growth and change really happens. We can’t be stronger, better, different if we don’t go through “the suck” every once in a while.
Aaaaand I quite honestly hate that. There’s a part of me that wants everything to be easy. There’s a part of me that is a little afraid of the work involved and the stress that is to come with any worthwhile goal. A part that just wants to be comfortable and glide through life without a care in the world.
But I know that’s not how life works. And that’s not how the process of getting fitter and healthier and losing body fat works. If it was, we’d all be at a healthy body fat percentage, turning down fries in favor of a salad and running sub-20-minute 5ks like nobody’s business.
But, it’s hard. Maybe some aspects come a little more easily than others, but it will be a challenge at times. Probably a lot of times.
And like the quote posted above, easy is earned, not given. We have to earn the right to more discipline and a more judicious use of our limited willpower. We have to work hard for a period of time to turn bad habits into good ones so that they become nearly effortless. We have to toil away in the gym or out on the road in order to build the strength to squat 100# or make a fast 5k seem like a walk in the park.
But, like anything else, it’s doable. And it does get easier the more you do it.
Practice, practice, practice.
Sorry if I’m being a total killjoy (haha), but we can either see this as a sucky thing, or we can choose to see it as a reassuring thing. That just because we suck at something or it seems impossible right now doesn’t mean that it will always be that way. Our skills, fitness level, physique, and level of discipline/willpower aren’t set in stone.
Isn’t that awesome and empowering?
It’s all up to us. Taking action over and over until it all clicks.
Here’s to embracing the suck and doing the work.