Do Hard Things

About the Author

Steve Magness is a renowned expert in the fields of performance, resilience, and coaching. Over his extensive career, he has coached Olympic athletes, contributed to the understanding of human potential, and co-authored significant works like The Science of Running, Peak Performance, and The Passion Paradox. In Do Hard Things, Magness takes a deep dive into the concept of toughness, redefining it in a way that is both psychologically sound and practically applicable. His approach moves away from outdated notions of toughness, embracing a more nuanced understanding that prioritizes mental agility and emotional awareness over brute force.

Main Idea

At the heart of Do Hard Things is a challenge to the traditional notion of toughness. Magness argues that the old-school definition, which emphasizes stoicism, emotional suppression, and pushing through pain at all costs, is not only ineffective but also harmful. Instead, he proposes a new framework for toughness that involves confronting reality, understanding and managing emotions, and adopting a flexible approach to adversity. This modern toughness is about mental resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions under pressure.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Myth of Toughness
2. How We Misunderstand Toughness
3. Strategy 1: Face Reality
4. Strategy 2: Understand Your Emotions
5. Strategy 3: Listen to Your Inner Voices
6. Strategy 4: Zoom In or Zoom Out
7. Conclusion: Redefining Toughness for a Modern World

Introduction: The Myth of Toughness

The traditional view of toughness is deeply ingrained in our culture. It is often associated with a stoic demeanor, emotional suppression, and a relentless push through challenges, no matter the cost. This version of toughness is glorified in movies, sports, and even in everyday life. However, Magness argues that this "tough it out" mentality is not only outdated but also damaging. He posits that true toughness is not about denying our emotions or forcing ourselves to endure pain but about understanding and navigating our internal landscape to make better decisions under stress.

"Real toughness is about confronting reality, embracing discomfort, and making thoughtful decisions in the face of adversity. It’s not about acting tough; it’s about being tough in a way that’s sustainable and healthy." — Steve Magness

How We Misunderstand Toughness

Magness begins by dissecting the misconceptions surrounding toughness. The old-school mentality suggests that sheer willpower and emotional suppression are the keys to overcoming challenges. This approach, while sometimes effective in the short term, often leads to burnout, poor decision-making, and psychological harm. Magness argues that true toughness is not about forcing yourself through adversity but about learning how to cope with it in a way that preserves your mental and emotional well-being.

One of the major flaws in the traditional view is the belief that toughness means ignoring your emotions. However, emotions are crucial signals that inform us about our internal state and help us navigate the world. By ignoring these signals, we deny ourselves valuable information that could guide us to better decisions. Magness asserts that understanding and managing our emotions is a cornerstone of true toughness.

Strategy 1: Face Reality

Set Realistic Expectations

According to Magness, facing reality is the first step towards building true toughness. This means setting realistic expectations about what you can achieve and understanding the challenges you face. When we set unrealistic goals, we set ourselves up for failure, which can be demoralizing and counterproductive. Instead, Magness suggests setting goals that are achievable yet challenging enough to push us slightly beyond our comfort zones.