How To Do Hard Things

Many of us are constantly searching for the next book, course, or secret resource to help us get better at hard things, whether it's how we can improve our communication skills, our fitness, or embark on a tough project.

We believe that if we just learn more, the results will follow.

The truth is the top 1% don't build the muscle to do hard things by learning about them; they build it by doing them.

Imagine wanting a defined body. You can read every diet book and every workout plan online. But if you keep eating poorly and skipping the gym, you won't see any change. All that consumption is useless without action.

Start Small, But Start

If you want to negotiate a massive salary increase one day, start by negotiating the smaller things today.

If asking for visibility in a meeting feels overwhelming, start by sharing one point in a low-stakes discussion.

If speaking up to senior stakeholders terrifies you, begin by preparing one thoughtful question and asking it in the next call.

Your brain needs evidence that you can do hard things, and not just theories, quotes or inspiration. 

Each time you take a small action, you’re training your nervous system to tolerate discomfort. You’re building your belief system, rep by rep.

Hard things stop feeling impossible when your brain has data that you’ve survived them before.

If You Want Support Doing the Hard Things

Inside the Career Accelerator, I teach the exact systems my clients use to negotiate, communicate with impact, and show up as strategic leaders.

And we practise the hard conversations together, so you’re not doing the reps alone.

We are opening applications in January 2026 so join the waitlist here to get first access.

What's one small, "hard thing" you're committing to doing in the year ahead? Let me know in the comments!

Rooting for you,
 Angel Kilian
Founder | Career inFocus