~Do the Hard Thing~

Tyler Van Acker
August 15, 2024

I used to think life was about seeking pleasurable experiences.

But then I realized theirs a difference between pleasure and satisfaction.

Pleasure feels good in the moment, Satisfaction feels better after the work is done.

”People who accept that life is made up of pain, uncertainty, and constant work are better equipped and essentially happier than those who are constantly trying to avoid these things” -Stutz

The pain, uncertainty, and constant work point to the problems that need solving. The uncomfortable feeling of going against societal expectations.

I now choose to work on my business daily, stop eating after 7 PM, work out when I don’t wont to.

In a world of scarcity, the environment demanded hard things be embraced. Disease caused pain, war meant uncertainty, and feeding your family guaranteed constant work.

In a world of abundance, we become mentally and physically weak when we avoid discomfort.

Here’s 5 tips to do hard things:

Clarity on your values.

Modern society seeks compliance; instead, lean into the fear of not fitting.

In a tribe of 50 people, fitting in meant safety from the dangers of isolation.

But modern society rewards individuality.

"Be yourself" is not a yes or no. It's a never ending journey that few are willing to commit to.

More clarity, more effective actions.

1 BIG problem. (Your mission)

Media aims to make the world's problem, your problem.

Be extreme with your new information diet, cut out non-actionable information.

You don't act because your brain has too many priorities.

“The universe is rigged in such a way that if you just want one thing and you focus on that, you will get it. But everything else, you got to let go.” -Naval Ravikant

Goal setting.

-Goals for action, not outcomes.
-Achievable goals build confidence.
-Short term goals to know what to do.
-Long term goals to know where you are going.
-You lack nothing, your goals will not complete you.

Tiny Habits. (Book by BJ Fogg, Stanford professor )

Make a new behavior as easy as possible.

Tiny behaviors get you started and keep you going.

CONSISTENT ACTION defines MEANINGFUL TRANSFORMATION.

Actions create the story you have in your head. New behaviors re-shape your identity to be someone who takes on a challenge.

Take action.

-Act everyday
-Look for the next step
-Set up your environment
-Make mistakes but no quitting
-Accountability through community
-Frequently remind yourself of your purpose
-Make decisions from the lens of your best self

Is there a health topic you’re curious about?

Hit the reply button to let me know what’s on your mind.

I will reply with some of my ideas and consider discussing the topic in a future newsletter.

Either way I hope you have an awesome day.

Your good friend,

Tyler.