Life is full of things we don’t want to do. The uncomfortable conversations, the early morning workouts, the risks that scare us, the failures we’d rather avoid. These things feel terrible in the moment—draining, frustrating, even painful.
But here’s the truth: The terrible things are often the things that lead to growth, success, and transformation.
Doing the terrible things—pushing through discomfort, facing fears, embracing the struggle—is what separates those who stay stuck from those who evolve, improve, and create the life they actually want.
Here’s why you should do the terrible things—and how this metaphor can change the way you approach life.
1. Growth Comes from Discomfort
The things we resist the most are usually the things we need the most. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens in struggle, challenge, and difficulty.
Example:
- Terrible Thing: Waking up early to work on your side hustle when you’d rather sleep.
- Why It Matters: The extra effort builds a future you actually want.
- Terrible Thing: Saying no to junk food when all you want is a burger.
- Why It Matters: Discipline leads to long-term health and confidence.
Lesson:
The things that feel terrible now are the things that will make you better later.
2. Fear Means You’re On the Right Path
The things we fear the most—failing, looking stupid, taking risks—are often the things that lead to breakthroughs.
Example:
- Terrible Thing: Putting yourself out there and risking rejection.
- Why It Matters: Every “no” leads you closer to a “yes.”
- Terrible Thing: Speaking up for yourself when it feels uncomfortable.
- Why It Matters: Confidence is built by doing things that scare you.
Lesson:
Fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s a signal that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone.
3. The Hardest Tasks Bring the Biggest Rewards
If something is easy, it’s probably not making you better. The things that require grit, patience, and endurance are the things that truly change you.
Example:
- Terrible Thing: Sticking to a long-term commitment when quitting feels easier.
- Why It Matters: Discipline leads to success.
- Terrible Thing: Learning a difficult skill instead of settling for what’s easy.
- Why It Matters: Skills open doors that laziness keeps shut.
Lesson:
The harder the struggle, the greater the reward.
4. Doing the Terrible Things Makes Everything Else Easier
The more you face discomfort, the stronger you become. Over time, the things that once felt terrible become second nature.
Example:
- Terrible Thing: Exercising when you’re out of shape.
- Why It Matters: One day, what felt impossible will feel effortless.
- Terrible Thing: Learning to manage your money instead of ignoring financial problems.
- Why It Matters: Future-you will thank present-you for being responsible.
Lesson:
Struggle now so life is easier later. Avoid struggle now, and life will be harder forever.
5. You Can’t Skip the Hard Parts
You can’t have success without effort. You can’t have confidence without failure. You can’t have growth without struggle. The terrible things aren’t optional—they’re required.
Example:
- Terrible Thing: Writing a terrible first draft before you get to the good stuff.
- Why It Matters: Nobody starts great—every expert was once a beginner.
- Terrible Thing: Facing rejection when applying for jobs.
- Why It Matters: It’s part of the process—you can’t get hired without first trying.
Lesson:
There’s no shortcut. You have to go through the struggle to get to the success.
6. How to Start Doing the Terrible Things
- Stop waiting for motivation. Motivation doesn’t come first—action comes first.
- Do the hardest task first. Get it out of the way before excuses kick in.
- Remind yourself why it matters. Every terrible thing today makes life better tomorrow.
- Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth is a result of doing what’s hard.
Final Thought: The Pain Is Temporary—The Growth Is Forever
The terrible things—waking up early, facing rejection, pushing through struggle—feel awful in the moment. But every terrible thing you do builds a stronger, smarter, more successful version of yourself.
So, stop avoiding discomfort. Run toward it. Do the terrible things. Because in the end, those are the things that will change your life.
