Thoughts on Do Hard Things

"Most people don't expect you to understand what we're going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, they don't expect you to care. And even if you care, they don't expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don't expect it to last. We do."

--Back cover of Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris

This is the type of dynamic writing I aspire to. It jumps right out and grabs you by the head and says, "Listen up. Are you going to excel or are you going to meet the world's expectations?" My personality is one to reply, "You can't even begin to make me not do something about it and not have it last." However, one of my many character flaws is procrastination, quickly followed by laziness. Of course I will do something, but it hardly lasts. Even if it does last, I drag my feet and lose enthusiasm.

Do Hard Things has challenged me on many levels, including my spiritual life, my personal goals and aspirations, and my habits. It wasn't extremely profound, it really wasn't. In fact, a lot of it seemed like common sense to me. But the more I read, and the more I thought, the more I realized that it was on paper. Sure, lots of people realize the thoughts presented here. Sure, lots of people want to do something about it. But it wasn't on paper. Once an idea is on paper and is staring me in the face, I feel suddenly like it must be done. There's something about the challenge of a to-do list. True, this book is not meant to be read as a to-do list but it has some of the same qualities for me.

"Well, are you going to do it and scratch it off?"

Makes me want to grab a Sharpie and scribble out things I've done already.

By putting this on paper (yes, I will be printing this), I hope my resolutions will stay strong. I want to be the one that people aren't really noticing but is making a difference anyway. I need to do hard things. Ironic thing is this: Shyness is what I've always been known for, but deep down inside, I want to reach out to people and care for them. Not casual care, like missions or soup kitchen, but a heartfelt sincere care. The kind of care that reaches out when others are too busy and pulls them into a hug and says encouraging and kind words and actually means it. (Now if only I can beat down the sarcastic, impatient smart alec inside me.) If everyone took the time to do so to one person everyday, I firmly believe the world would be a better place. But I am shy to the point of avoiding eye contact even among close friends.

These are the sorts of ideas that are written about in Do Hard Things. Young people who decide that nothing can stop them from doing what they know is right. The world may ridicule, there will be obstacles to overcome, but doing hard things is not for quitters. It requires faith and determination--and lots of it. I only pray that I can maintain this level of faith and determination required.

This is my resolution to do hard things.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." --Mahatma Gandhi