Choose Your Hard

Choose Your Hard

This morning, waking up for my scheduled run felt incredibly hard. I procrastinated after getting up, took my time sipping my coffee, and took my time before heading out. But eventually, it was time to go. Surprisingly, on a tough day like this, I found the perfect parking spot—maybe a small sign to keep pushing forward.

As I started my warm-up and began running, it was tough. My mind kept questioning, Why is this still so hard? I’ve been running consistently, yet maintaining my pace felt like a struggle. On my good days, running is therapeutic, something I eagerly look forward to. But today wasn’t one of those days.

Then, a thought struck me—Choose your hard. I remembered what my partner once told me: Do your hard thing. It also reminded me of a powerful quote I had come across:

Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard. Choose your hard.

Obesity is hard. Being fit is hard. Choose your hard.

Being in debt is hard. Being financially disciplined is hard. Choose your hard.

Communication is hard. Not communicating is hard. Choose your hard.

Life will never be easy. It will always be hard. But we can choose our hard. Pick wisely.

— Unknown

That quote fueled me to push through, maintain my pace, and complete my run. It was a reminder that every challenge I face is a choice, and the hard things I commit to will shape my growth.

Last year, I chose my hard, and I achieved results I’m proud of. Today was just another test—a reminder to keep choosing my hard this year. Because I know, in the end, I’ll be proud of myself once again.