Something Dreadful

by David Hibbs

I haven’t always believed what I am about to say, but over the past few years, it has developed into my daily life.

I believe that you must do at least one thing every day that sucks. Something that is dreadful, something challenging, something that, at the end of it, will leave you feeling like a badass. Whether it’s a 5-, 10-, 15-mile run, hours of heavy lifting, or working to provide for yourself. Go do it. Get uncomfortable, push yourself beyond what you think you can do, and you’ll be amazed at how resilient you are.

Like I said, I haven’t always believed this. It took time, discipline, and lots of effort and, you know what, I still have days where I do something that sucks and it just outright sucks. But how do we grow inside our comfort zones, where our own minds shelter us from the horrifying reality that is life?

You may think that I do these things to better my physical health and you’re not necessarily wrong, but my true goal is to strengthen my mind. See, if you do something every day that you don’t want to do, eventually it gets easier to complete tasks that you dread. This translates to everyday life, not just runs and lifts, but in the workplace and at home with your family.

My mind used to control me, kept me from doing simple tasks because of the fear of failing or not doing good enough. Our minds are extremely powerful. It knows our deepest fears, darkest secrets, hell, it knows us better than any human on this earth. So how do we take back control over something that knows us all too well? We start doing the things that bring you fear and anxiety, things that your brain thinks you won’t do because you’ve been too scared in the past. It can be the smallest task of talking to a new person. Just make yourself uncomfortable.

Being comfortable is where dreams and ambitions go to die. I believe that being uncomfortable is the fastest way to becoming a less fearful person. The human mind is hard wired to protect us from doing the things we fear. It will talk you out of an idea quicker than that idea came about. That fear is natural, and we want that because it helps us make rational decisions, but it can also prevent you from becoming something great.

I believe in re-wiring that section of the brain. Yes, you can be scared, but you cannot be willing to let that fear win. Do something every day that you dread. Every day. I believe it has made me a better friend, a better brother, a better son, and overall, a better person. I believe that anyone can become a better person, and that no matter where we think we are, there is always room for improvement. I believe that anyone can do anything they’ve ever dreamed of.

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(Read all the pieces in This I Believe; featured image from Pixabay)