If there’s one thing I’ve said over and over again — to myself, to my kids, to just about anyone who would listen — it’s to do the hard thing first.

It’s easy to tackle the simple, comfortable stuff and leave the harder things sitting there, staring at you. But the truth is, when you start with the thing you’re most resistant to, something shifts inside you. It’s not just about checking it off your list — it’s about building strength.

Next month I’m turning 50, and I’ve been feeling that even more. I don’t just want to say “do the hard thing first.” I want to live it — on purpose, every day. That’s why I’ve made it a point to do something uncomfortable first thing in the morning. Right now, that’s a cold plunge. Trust me, there is nothing cozy about plunging into freezing water when you first wake up. But there’s something powerful about starting my day by choosing hard. It resets my body and my mind — and it’s making a difference. I feel sharper, stronger, and steadier than I have in a long time.

And here’s the thing, it’s not just about cold plunges or workouts. It’s about how doing hard things builds resilience in every part of our lives.

Hard things carry weight. When we avoid them, they don’t just disappear — they sit there, draining our energy and cluttering our minds. But when you take them head-on, that weight lifts. You build momentum. You build confidence. You build mental toughness.

It’s not about being tough for the sake of toughness, either. God never promised us comfort — He called us to perseverance. James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." Hard things aren’t meant to break us — they’re meant to build us.

And hard things come in all shapes and sizes. It’s easy to spot them physically — a workout when you don’t feel like it, prepping healthy meals when takeout sounds easier. But they show up emotionally, too. Having that conversation you’re dreading. Setting a boundary you know needs to be there. They show up spiritually — getting up early to pray when you’re tired, forgiving someone when bitterness feels easier, trusting God's timing when you’re desperate for answers. Even in everyday things — saving money instead of spending impulsively — hard things pop up everywhere if you’re willing to see them.

And every time you choose hard, something grows in you. You start to believe, "I can do hard things." You begin to notice fear doesn’t have as much power over you. You stop relying on your comfort zone and start leaning more on God's strength. You build discipline and grit — the kind of fruit that spills over into every part of your life. I love how Hebrews 12:11 puts it, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

When I think about hard things, I can’t help but think about Jesus. He didn’t take the easy way out. He endured the cross — the ultimate hard thing — “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). He showed us the path isn’t around the hard things — it’s through them. And when we’re willing to walk that path, we’re walking with Him. So, let me just ask you — what’s the hard thing you’ve been avoiding? What’s that thing sitting on your heart that you keep pushing off?

Maybe it’s a workout. Maybe it’s a phone call. Maybe it’s finally making time to pray when your schedule feels too full. Maybe it’s something that feels small but carries a lot of weight. Whatever it is, I want to challenge you, tomorrow morning, to start with the hard thing. Let it set the tone for your day. Let it build strength in you, mind, body, and spirit. You were made for hard things. Start with hard. Start with Him. And watch how you grow.

Praying for you as you step out with courage today. He’s right there with you, cheering you on.