We all have work to do, whether running a marathon, pursuing a career goal, or simply being a better person. But let’s face it – sometimes the going gets tough, and we feel like giving up or avoiding the challenge altogether. During these moments, we need the most motivation and guidance to help us stay on course and continue to push forward toward our purpose.
In this context, acceptance can be a powerful tool to keep us going. By acknowledging that something is hard and allowing ourselves to feel that discomfort, we can avoid getting stuck in a negative spiral of self-judgment and resistance. Instead, we can see difficulty as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. In doing so, we can tap into the highest form of energy – acceptance – and stay motivated toward our goals.
Imagine you’re on a long run, and after a few miles, your fresh legs slowly turn to blocks of lead. All you can think about is stopping about two miles before you had intended. The mental options here would be: judging yourself for not being more in shape or saying to yourself, “This is hard, and that’s okay.”
Try this approach next time. This approach accepts the difficulty level – and acceptance is a higher form of energy. When you see and allow the situation to be what it is, you don’t spend the emotional power on the judgment, which classifies this experience as “bad” in your head. You’re not resisting how hard the workout has turned, thinking it should have gone differently.
Just because it is difficult does not mean it is “bad.” Ease does not always equal “good.” The situation simply is what it is – a neutral event! When you accept something, you are choosing to do so. You have just made a choice! And choice creates anabolic energy.
“I feel so slow, and that’s okay. I’m dripping in sweat, and that’s okay. This hill is steep, and that’s okay.”
Hard is not the same thing as bad.
“This run has turned hard. I accept a hard run.”
A true sign of growth is accepting discomfort.
Acceptance is the highest form of energy, while resistance is the lowest form.
Even thinking and accepting thoughts provides a proverbial lift from one’s shoulders—a release in the stomach or chest.
When we face challenging tasks, we can easily feel discouraged and want to give up. However, it’s important to remember that accepting the situation and choosing to push through is a higher form of energy than resistance. By acknowledging that the challenge is difficult but not inherently bad, we can conserve our mental and emotional energy and focus on our purpose.
Choosing to keep going creates anabolic energy that can propel us forward. So next time you face a challenging task, try accepting the difficulty and decide to push through anyway. This simple mindset shift helps reinvigorate your motivation and leads you toward more significant growth and success.