Do the Hard Thing
Energy is defined by units of work known as a joule. I’m sure there is a standard measurement for how much work or energy is equivalent to 1 joule, but for simplicity’s sake let’s just say it requires 5 joules of energy to lift a 4-pound brick. It will always require the same amount of energy to overcome gravity and move the brick, as long as friction is constant. Regardless of who does the work, where they do it, or with what, the same amount of energy will always be required to do that amount of work.
When we exercise and our muscles grow, the weight we lift does not get lighter. If I lift the 4-pound brick over and over every day consistently, my capacity to lift it will increase as I grow stronger, and my muscles react and adapt to the new requirement placed on them. I might begin with the capacity to lift 4 pounds only 20 times within one minute but over time grow to 50 reps within the same amount of time. The weight of the brick will not change, it does not get lighter, the amount of work has not changed, the joules of energy required to do move the weight has not changed, and by that measure we might even say that it hasn’t gotten easier. The same can be said for any physical exercise, whether lifting, running, or swimming. Our perception of the effort required might change from day to day but the actual energy requirement to move a consistent weight does not change. So, how is it that our capacity to do the work increases when the work requirement doesn’t change?
Hard things don’t get easier, we only get stronger.
To some the idea of lifting a brick takes no thought, to others it is a considerable task - the thought of bending over, reaching down, gripping and then standing up might shudder the spine. To some speaking in public is exciting, to others terrifying. An individual’s talents and abilities are as diverse as those who possess them. Even within families among siblings with the same nurtured experiences, their nature can vary greatly.
“And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability…” Matthew 25:15
For me, speaking about the things closest to my heart can be uncomfortable. Speaking in public, putting myself in front of others, the idea of becoming an object of judgement, is something I would prefer to avoid. It sometimes requires a unit of work greater than my capacity. And yet sometimes, I do it anyway. And I have found that if I do it consistently, it becomes possible to continue doing it, even though it does not get easier. Despite the repetitions and past experiences, the same wave of anxiety washes over me causing my heart to think I am running a marathon. But I choose to do it anyway. In fact, having recognized this weakness I will often look for opportunities for public speaking, knowing that it is a good exercise for me. And I have learned that, despite not getting easier, my capacity to handle the challenge has increased.
“I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” Ether 12:27
What I think it means to have “weak things become strong” doesn’t necessarily mean our weakness will be removed, it may be necessary for us to always have that weakness to remain humble, but it does mean that as we exercise our free will to do the work despite the weakness, our capacity to do the work will increase. The energy required to overcome whatever weakness appears to limit our ability may not change, but our strength and capacity can indeed change and grow to the point where we may take no thought for the things that once weighed heavily upon us.
If you are determined to do hard things, and you should be, because growth only happens when we make such commitments, remove any suppositions that it will ever get easier and look forward to the time when you have become stronger - greater than that thing you once thought was so difficult.
