As we step into a new year, one of the most impactful commitments we can make is to "struggle better." I don’t mean seeking out difficulties for the sake of it but about changing how we perceive and engage with the struggles that inevitably come our way. By reframing struggle as an opportunity rather than a setback, we can unlock new levels of growth and value creation.
Not all struggles are equal
Struggles can be divided into three categories:
Healthy, Normal Struggles: These are the challenges we all face as part of personal and professional growth. They build character, develop skills, and strengthen resilience.
Unhealthy Struggles: These include situations like illness or addiction. The goal here is to overcome these struggles as quickly as possible, learning from them without letting them define us.
Intentionally Designed Struggles: When we understand that struggle is a tool for growth, we can intentionally create challenges that push us toward greater achievements and capabilities. Professional athletes do this through their training programs.
The Role of Struggle in Growth
One of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself is: Can I grow—physically, emotionally, or mentally—without some level of struggle? The answer is almost always no. Struggle, at its core, is any effort to improve a life condition, develop a character trait, or build capability. It can range from micro struggles to intense challenges, but each one contributes to our ability to create value.
Consider this: If you avoid struggle and prioritize comfort, you’re also limiting your potential. Growth occurs at the edges of discomfort, whether you’re building material value, enhancing emotional energy, or fostering deeper connections.
Yes, you can struggle more and struggle better
Over time, it’s possible to build a higher tolerance for struggle. This doesn’t mean seeking out difficulties for their own sake but learning to lean into challenges with a constructive mindset. Here’s how:
Organize and Develop: When something doesn’t go as planned, resist the urge to become frustrated. Instead, focus on organizing the situation to gain clarity and identify opportunities for improvement. Then, develop yourself and your team to address the gaps.
Shift Your Perspective: View struggles as a value creation funnel. Identify where the bottlenecks are, address them, and then reassess. This approach keeps you proactive rather than reactive.
Stay Positive: Frustration brings negative energy, which can derail progress. Replace it with curiosity and a solution-oriented mindset. Engage in productive conversations that focus on what’s possible.
Struggling Better in Different Areas of Life
Struggling better applies across all aspects of life:
Family: Improve material, emotional, and spiritual value within your family by being fully present and engaging in meaningful conversations. For example, resetting your focus after a stressful workday can elevate the emotional energy at home.
Work: Use value creation funnels to understand where your efforts are most effective. Communicate clearly with your team and ask for their help in optimizing your schedule and priorities.
Personal Development: Treat emotional and mental struggles like going to the gym. Just as consistent physical exercise builds strength, intentional emotional and mental challenges build resilience and capability over time.
Practical Steps to Struggle Better
Embrace Awareness: Recognize the type of struggle you’re facing and respond accordingly. Are you building character, overcoming an unhealthy challenge, or designing an intentional push for growth?
Ask for Help: Whether it’s from family, friends, or colleagues, involve others in your journey. Collaboration often provides clarity and support.
Stay Intentional: Align your struggles with your goals. Every effort should contribute to creating more value in your life and the lives of those around you.
Final Thoughts
As you move forward into this year, ask yourself: How can I struggle better? By leaning into challenges, staying focused on value creation, and approaching difficulties with a productive mindset, you’ll not only grow but also inspire others to do the same. Struggle isn’t just something to endure; it’s a pathway to becoming the best version of yourself.
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