In life, we all encounter barriers—whether they are personal, professional, or emotional. These obstacles often feel insurmountable, leading us to question whether we have what it takes to move forward. At times, we might put in a little effort, trying to push through, but fall short, feeling as though we don’t have enough to overcome the challenge. However, there’s an important truth that can radically shift our approach to achieving success: going hard—truly giving our all—breaks through our limits.

In this article, we will explore why a small effort may not always be enough to get past barriers, and how pushing beyond our comfort zones with a full commitment can lead to breakthroughs.

The Limitation of “Trying a Little”

“Trying a little” can often be seen as taking the path of least resistance. We may feel motivated to start something new, work toward a goal, or confront an issue. We may make the first few attempts with minimal effort, but if we don’t get immediate results, our motivation can wane, and we may start to doubt ourselves. This half-hearted effort may feel safer because it’s not too taxing and doesn’t require us to fully confront our fears or weaknesses.

The problem with trying a little is that it often doesn’t generate enough momentum to push us past our limits. Barriers, whether they are mental or physical, typically require sustained effort and significant energy to overcome. A small effort doesn’t create the kind of momentum needed to break through deeply entrenched obstacles. When we only give part of ourselves to a challenge, we don’t tap into the full potential of what we’re capable of, and this can leave us feeling stuck.

Understanding Our Limits

Every human being has their own set of limitations—whether they are based on skill, fear, or past experiences. These limits are often shaped by our environment, upbringing, and personal mindset. Many times, we internalize the idea that certain challenges are beyond our ability to conquer, simply because we haven’t pushed ourselves far enough to discover our true capabilities.

However, limits are not fixed—they are often self-imposed. Our brains and bodies can adapt, grow, and exceed expectations, but this usually only happens when we commit to fully testing our boundaries. Limits are usually not as solid as they appear, but they only become real when we stop trying to break through them.

The Power of “Going Hard”

When we “go hard,” we move beyond the point of comfort. This phrase signifies a level of commitment and intensity that often requires us to fully engage, push through discomfort, and face our fears head-on. It means giving everything we have toward a particular goal and not allowing distractions, doubts, or exhaustion to stop us.

Going hard breaks through limits for several reasons:

1. Intensity Builds Momentum: When we pour more energy and effort into something, we create momentum. Momentum is a powerful force because it propels us forward, making it easier to tackle the next step or overcome the next hurdle. As we experience progress, even small wins, the energy builds, making it less likely that we’ll give up.
2. Adrenaline and Focus: When we push ourselves beyond our normal boundaries, the body responds with heightened focus, increased physical strength, and a surge of adrenaline. This physiological response allows us to perform tasks that may have seemed impossible when we were only trying a little. In essence, we become sharper and more determined when we “go hard.”
3. Breaking Through Mental Barriers: Mental barriers often hold us back more than physical ones. Our doubts, fears, and insecurities create self-imposed limitations. By going hard, we challenge these mental constructs and show ourselves that we are capable of more than we thought. When we face obstacles with a relentless mindset, we prove to ourselves that these barriers can be overcome with persistence.
4. Overcoming the Plateau: In any area of life—whether it’s work, fitness, or personal development—there comes a point where we feel like we’ve plateaued. The progress slows down, and it feels like we can’t move forward. This is often where many people give up. But by going hard—by putting in extra effort, practicing longer, or thinking outside the box—we can break through that plateau and make new advancements. It’s the extra push that often makes the difference between stagnation and breakthrough.

The Importance of Consistency in Going Hard

While going hard is powerful, it’s not just about a single burst of effort. Real progress comes when we consistently push ourselves to go harder over time. Inconsistent effort will still produce some results, but sustained intensity over a longer period creates real transformation. The key is to combine the force of going hard with perseverance, and to make that intensity a part of your daily routine.

This consistency doesn’t mean being “hard” in the sense of physical exertion all the time, but in being committed to your goals, continually putting in effort, and refusing to settle for mediocrity. Even on days when we’re exhausted, going hard means doing whatever we can to push just a little further.

Embracing Challenges and Breakthroughs

It’s crucial to understand that going hard doesn’t mean eliminating failure—it means embracing the inevitable setbacks as part of the process. Barriers aren’t meant to stop us; they are meant to test us and help us grow. When we meet challenges with a full commitment, we learn, adapt, and become stronger, and as a result, we break through the limits that once held us back.

The feeling of breaking through a barrier—the point when everything you’ve worked for clicks and you realize you’ve surpassed what you thought was possible—is one of the most empowering experiences. It shows that limits are not permanent, and with determination and intensity, we can achieve more than we ever imagined.

Conclusion

While trying a little may help us make progress, it often isn’t enough to get past the significant barriers in life. To break through those limits, we need to “go hard”—to fully engage, give everything we have, and push ourselves beyond what we think is possible. It’s this sustained, intense effort that builds momentum, challenges mental and physical boundaries, and leads to real breakthroughs. So, the next time you face a challenge, remember that breaking through your limits begins with going all in—going hard.