Challenging Yourself: Embracing Hardship for a Better Life

Life is full of challenges, and often it feels like we are working hard to make our lives more difficult. However, embracing these challenges can actually make our lives easier and more fulfilling. In this article, we explore various strategies and tips to make our lives a little harder, with the goal of making challenges seem easier. If you're interested in more powerful life strategies, you can find them at my blog: Declare War Within.

How to Make Your Life Harder

Here are some practical steps you can take to make your life a little harder:

1. Embrace Physical Challenges

Start by adding some physical challenges to your routine. For example:

Workout with a sweater on: This can make your workouts more challenging, but it also helps build endurance and strength. Take cold showers: While it may seem uncomfortable at first, taking cold showers can boost your energy and improve your mood. It's like jumping into a refreshing river on a warm day. Wake up early: Consistently waking up at the same time every day, even if you went to bed late, ensures a routine that is easy to stick to. This helps program your body and makes it easier to face the day ahead.

2. Add Resistance to Your Daily Routine

Introduce new habits that can add some resistance to your daily life:

Take the stairs: Instead of taking the elevator, choose the stairs. Although it might seem inconvenient for longer floors, it’s a great way to stay active and healthy. Eat super clean: Nutritious food is essential for a healthy body. Consider eating only water and instant coffee for a month to experience the benefits of a clean diet. Cut out enjoyable things for a while: This could be a one-month social media hiatus, a no-coffee period, or a month without alcohol or drugs. Removing these pleasures can teach you how to cope without them and build your willpower. Challenge yourself with new habits: Try to perform 100 pushups daily for 30 days or wake up at 5am every day. Consistent practice can lead to incredible improvements in your abilities.

3. Create Personal Challenges

Challenges can be fun and enriching. Here are some ideas to consider:

Smile for a whole day: This can bring a different mindset and can be a great mood booster. Be kind for a day: Whether it’s initiating a conversation with a colleague or calling a friend, practicing kindness can bring more positivity to your life. Go on a hike: Hiking provides excellent exercise and exposure to fresh air, which is beneficial for both your body and your mind. Clean your house weekly: Whether it’s vacuuming, dusting, or cleaning the closet, making regular chores a habit can help you maintain a clean and organized living space.

4. Be Early and Accountable

Being on time is a valuable skill. Try:

Arrive early at appointments: This shows respect and prevents last-minute rushes. Remember, there is no excuse to be late. Double your goals: If you aim to make one sale to cover rent, rethink it and aim for ten. You might exceed your target and achieve more than you expected.

The Wisdom from the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama is a master at turning small challenges into opportunities for growth. One simple example is keeping the bedside table a bit away from the bed, which encourages him to get up or stretch. He finds that this small act keeps him more aware and engaged in the present moment.

Other Physical Challenges

Here are a few more tips to make your life a bit harder:

Floss and Brush Daily

Maintaining good dental hygiene should be a priority. Flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day not only promotes oral health but also instills a habit of regular care.

Strength Training and Yoga

Incorporate strength training and yoga into your weekly routine:

Strength training: Aim for three times a week, lifting progressively heavier weights to build muscle and strength. Avoid training the same muscles on consecutive days to prevent overuse injuries. Yoga: Practice at least once a week to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity. This is especially beneficial for those who prefer more sedentary activities.

Cardio and Interval Training

Incorporate cardiovascular activity and interval training into your weekly schedule:

Cardiovascular activity: Aim for at least 15 minutes of activity every day, with a goal of 30 minutes daily for optimal health. Interval training: Include sprints or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) 2-3 times a week to boost endurance and speed.

Initiate Conversations

Engaging with people can improve your social skills and mood:

Initiate conversations: This can be as simple as talking to the barista who takes your coffee order or reaching out to a coworker you don’t usually interact with. It helps you practice empathy and enhances your social life.

Final Thoughts

By embracing challenges and making your life a little harder, you can develop resilience, improve your health, and become more mindful. Challenges are not obstacles but opportunities to grow and improve. As you build these habits, you will find that challenges become easier, and your life becomes more fulfilling and enjoyable.

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