Problem → The Exhausting Trap of Easy

Most think the goal is ease. Less resistance. More comfort. Fewer constraints.

But chasing the easy path often creates the hardest life:

• Decisions stack up unmade.
• Habits slide.
• Guilt builds.
• Health and appearance declines.
• Confidence fades.

What looks like relief can end up costing you everything that matters.

The irony? Doing hard things—on purpose—is the easiest way to live (also the happiest way)

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Quote → The Power of Hard Choices

“Easy choices, hard life. Hard choices, easy life.” – Jerzy Gregorek (world champion weightlifter)

Hard things build capacity. Hard things create clarity. Hard things earn respect—especially from yourself.

You don’t do hard things because they’re fun. You do them because they create the kind of life you actually want to live.

I wanted to test this idea. So I signed up for something designed to stretch every edge of my comfort zone.

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Story → 75 Hard Improved More Than Just My Health

A few months ago, I committed to 75 Hard. Two 45 minute minimum workouts a day (one outside no matter the weather). Committed diet with: No alcohol. No sugar. No cheat meals or fast food. A gallon of water. Daily reading. A progress photo. No exceptions. No excuses.

If you miss a minute of a workout, an ounce of water, a page of your book…you go back to Day 1 and start over.

I started as a way to challenge myself and increase my self-discipline. I stayed for what it revealed and how it felt.

Starting out it wasn’t too bad. Then the EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. nature of the program kicks in. The first few weeks were tough. Work stacked up. Sleep got short. Bad weather. Travel interrupted routines. And yet—every day—I showed up.

No matter how tired. No matter how tempted. No matter how inconvenient. There were a number of workouts late at night in the snow or rain. No excuses. You do it.

There are no exact numbers, but the people with the most experience estimate that over 95% of people who start do not finish. Of those who do finish ~ 95% do not complete it in the first try.

Yes. I did complete the program without starting over. I didn’t want to do 75 days plus all the wasted days from starting over. This me doing a mental Judo move on my desire for easier.

NOTE: Today is the last day. I still have 2 workouts to do, another 3 quarts of water to go, and making sure I don’t accidentally grab a cookie for a snack. So, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, but short of doing something stupid there’s no way I’m blowing it on the last day.

If I do, you’ll hear about it next week under the title of something along the lines of “How to Totally Blow 75 Days of Discipline in One Dumbass Move”.

There’s no award or prize. Nobody cares if you do it or not. It would be very easy to cheat. BUT. YOU know. And YOU care. And that’s the point

But here’s the reality: It made my life harder—and in doing so, simpler.

And simpler = easier.

Discipline is the weight that makes every future lift feel lighter.

After a couple weeks I didn’t have to think anymore. I just did what I said I would do.

And when I lived like that—

• Work became sharper.
• Energy got better.
• Guilt disappeared.
• Confidence grew.
• Decisions were faster.

Not because I was chasing a perfect body— But because I was proving to myself, every day, that I’m someone who does hard things.

What I learned from those 75 days became part of the framework I now use in life and business (Next up? LiveHard Phase 1).

Solution → 3 Shifts to Make Hard the Easiest Way Forward

1. Stop Negotiating With Yourself.

Decide once. Then execute before the resistance builds up. The more you debate, the less you do. Discipline isn’t about willpower—it’s about building systems that eliminate the need for willpower.

2. Trade Comfort for Conviction.

Comfort feels good for a moment. Conviction feels good for a lifetime. Choose what builds strength (Body, Mind, and Soul), not what gives relief. Stronger = healthier and happier.

3. Use Hard as a Filter, Not a Fear.

When something feels hard, ask:

• Will this make me stronger?
• Will this make my life simpler on the other side? If the answer is yes, stop hesitating and go.

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Doing hard things clears the clutter. It builds momentum. It resets your identity.

Every time you choose discipline over distraction, effort over excuses, and focus over feelings—you get stronger.

Not just physically. Mentally. Emotionally. Spiritually. Financially. Relationally.

And the more you live like that, the easier it gets.

Because when you learn to do hard things—you become unstoppable.

I’m telling here what I tell my friends, my team, my clients: I want you to WIN in life.

It doesn’t have to be this challenge, but as my late friend and boxing trainer Steve Nicholsonalways said: “Challenge yourself.”

Whatever that means for you: Do it.

Your Challenge: This week, do one hard thing—on purpose. No debate. No delay. Just go. Then come back and comment. What changed? What did you learn?

And if this resonated, send it to someone who needs a reset. Sometimes the easiest way forward is the hardest step you’re avoiding.