Pushing Limits, Finding Strength

Ever find yourself staring at a daunting task and thinking, Why does this feel like a trust fall with no one to catch me? Whether it’s showing up for therapy, sticking to a new habit, or dealing with a challenge you’d rather avoid, hard things feel… well, hard. But here’s the thing: leaning into the difficult moments doesn’t just help you grow—it actually rewires your brain. Let’s talk about how.

Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and host of the wildly popular Huberman Lab podcast, explains that when we push ourselves to do hard things, we activate and strengthen critical parts of our brain. Tasks that feel overwhelming engage the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s control center for focus, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Every time you tackle something challenging—whether it’s running that extra mile, having an uncomfortable conversation, or learning a new skill—you’re reinforcing those neural pathways, making it easier to take on future challenges.

And here’s the kicker: overcoming resistance also activates the brain’s dopamine system. When you complete something difficult, your brain rewards you with a hit of dopamine. This isn’t the fleeting kind of satisfaction you get from doom-scrolling or eating a bag of chips; it’s the deep, earned dopamine that reinforces effort and builds motivation. Over time, this rewiring helps you develop resilience and confidence in your ability to handle life’s inevitable ups and downs.

Why Hard Things Matter

Imagine a life where you only did what was easy. Sure, you’d avoid discomfort, but you’d also miss out on growth, pride, and that feeling of accomplishment when you achieve something meaningful. Doing hard things teaches us grit, strengthens our brain, and ultimately makes life richer and more rewarding.

Here are some practical examples of how this plays out in everyday life:

1. Exercise

Whether it’s finishing that last set of squats, training for a 5K, or just committing to a daily walk, exercise is a classic example of pushing through discomfort. Not only does it improve your physical health, but it also boosts your mental health by reducing anxiety, improving mood, and increasing self-confidence. Every drop of sweat is a testament to your brain saying, Hey, we can do this!

2. Therapy and Emotional Growth

Facing difficult emotions or unpacking past trauma isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s brave. Whether you’re learning to set boundaries, challenging negative self-talk, or processing grief, therapy pushes you into uncharted emotional territory. Each breakthrough can rewire your brain, making it easier to cope with challenges in the future.

3. Learning a New Skill

Remember the last time you tried something new? Maybe it was cooking a complicated recipe, learning a language, or mastering a tricky work project. At first, it probably felt awkward and frustrating. But with persistence, you grew more confident—and now, you have a new skill in your toolkit.

4. Difficult Conversations

Avoiding tough conversations often feels easier in the moment, but it rarely pays off in the long run. Addressing conflict, expressing vulnerability, or advocating for yourself can feel scary, but it’s a powerful way to strengthen relationships and build trust—both with others and yourself.

5. Breaking Habits

Whether it’s reducing screen time, cutting back on alcohol, or saying no to that late-night unhealthy snack, breaking a habit challenges your self-control. Every time you resist the urge, you’re building willpower and proving to yourself that you can stick to your goals.

How to Start Doing Hard Things

The good news is that you don’t have to tackle Everest on day one. Start small and build momentum:

• Micro-goals. Break big tasks into bite-sized pieces. Instead of attempting to run a marathon, aim for a 5k. Breaking large goals into smaller, more digestible pieces helps keep your eyes on the prize.

• Celebrate wins. Completing even a small challenge is a big deal for your brain. Acknowledge your progress!

• Reflect on the reward. Remind yourself that every difficult task strengthens your brain and builds confidence. Give yourself a pat on the back (well, maybe not in public…no judgement either way!)

The Bottom Line

Doing hard things isn’t about seeking out pain for the sake of it—it’s about growth, resilience, and discovering what you’re truly capable of. Each time you lean into discomfort, you’re teaching your brain, I can handle this. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental, every challenge is an opportunity to level up.

So, the next time you’re faced with something hard—whether it’s a therapy session, a workout, or just resisting the urge to procrastinate—remember that your brain thrives on effort. Push through, embrace the discomfort, and let yourself grow. Future You will thank you, and your brain will reward you with that sweet dopamine hit as proof that you’re on the right track.