I feel like over the last few years, creeping into our zeitgeist has been this notion of us need to “do hard things.”
I’m sure part of it came from the book “The Comfort Crisis,” which came out in 2021. There’s some points in the book that I agree with, actually quite a lot of points.
The issue I have, is that the hard things they talk about in the book are the wrong ones. Sure, take a cold shower, or ice plunge, or do a million burpees in the sauna.
But can you call your local representative? Can you coherently talk on the phone? Can you do anything other than melt into entropy at the end of your work day?
Maybe instead of the ice bath, talk a public speaking course. Afraid of heights? Go rock climbing. Volunteer for a local organization. Coach little league. Pick up trash.
The comfort crisis isn’t just sitting in climate control all day, it’s also about putting off the uncomfortable little things in your day. Do those, then take the plunge.
Do hard things. Volunteer. Donate. Smash your phone with a hammer. Maybe you are physically exhausted at the end of your day, and you do want to watch Netflix. Instead of doomscrolling while watching, learn to sew and fix your ripped clothes. Don’t throw them out. Compost instead of putting everything in the trash. Learn to reduce your consumption, don’t just lean on reuse and recycle.
Do crime. Throw round up on a golf course green.