Coach Polly solo this week! Asking what if the fulfillment you're seeking isn't found on the easy path, but rather through the challenges that scare you most? When I received a last-minute invitation to hike Mount Whitney—the tallest peak in the continental United States—with just three weeks to prepare, my immediate reaction was fear. A 22-mile trek with 6,000 feet of elevation gain at high altitude typically requires months of training. Yet something in me knew I needed to say yes.
There's a profound difference between "hard" and "scary" that transforms how we approach life's challenges. Hard challenges have known difficulties—like physical endurance or disciplined practice. You know what's required; you just need to do the work. Scary challenges involve uncertainty—unknown outcomes, vulnerability, and letting go of control. Our comfort-seeking minds naturally resist scary things, always pulling us back from that ledge of uncertainty.
Through countless physical challenges, business ventures, and personal growth experiences, I've discovered that repeatedly choosing both hard and scary challenges builds an unshakable foundation of self-trust. Each time you face uncertainty and survive it, you create evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. This compounding effect builds confidence that transfers to every area of your life.
The most significant breakthroughs happen not at the beginning or end of a challenge, but right in the messy middle—where most people quit. If you're feeling stuck or unfulfilled, it might not be because your life is too hard—it might be because it's not hard enough in the right ways. The path to fulfillment, confidence, joy, and freedom runs directly through experiences that challenge your capabilities and comfort zone.
What's one hard or scary thing you've been avoiding that would make a difference in your life? Take the first uncomfortable step this week. Remember, your awesome life isn't waiting on the easy road—it's just beyond what feels impossible today.
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