The Importance of Doing Hard Things (even when you want to quit)

📌 BULLETIN BOARD

Long time no talk!

I wanted to start off by apologizing for the lack of newsletters these past 6 weeks.

With PA school in full motion, all I’ve had time to worry about is studying and passing 2-3 exams each week.

Nonetheless, this past week of Spring Break was a much needed reset and most importantly, it allotted me enough time to sit down and write this essay.

With that being said, I thought this week’s essay was a perfect time to remind everyone–and myself–just how important it is to go after hard things in life, especially when you feel like quitting.

Let’s dive a little deeper…

THE WARM UP

These past 8 weeks of PA school have been nothing short of rigorous and time-consuming.

I wake up at 5 AM to sneak in a workout before leaving for lectures all day from 8-4. Then I proceed to spend the evening studying for upcoming exams before eating dinner and hitting the hay.

I would be lying if I didn’t say this has been mentally and physically draining for me.

The long hours, relentless studying, and constant mental exhaustion have made me question if I’m truly cut out for this. 

The imposter syndrome is finally setting in.

But then I remember, this is exactly what I signed up for. 

Because doing hard things is how we grow, and quitting was never an option.

“PA-C” will be tagged along the end of my name at the end of these next 2 years.

THE WORKOUT

1. Why we resist hard things

Our brains are naturally wired to seek comfort and avoid pain.

Instinctively, our brains do everything in its power to avoid circumstances that could potentially harm us–mentally or physically.

But it’s important to remember that meaningful achievements only come from discomfort.

There’s a reason it’s so rewarding to accomplish something hard. 

If something feels difficult, then that’s a sign that you’re on the right track. Keep Pluggin’ along.

2. How struggle builds strength

Just like in the gym, where every rep lifted makes you stronger, every challenge in life does the same.

By continuously overcoming hard situations, then we build the strength and knowledge to achieve it more easily in the future.

We’re building resilience.

Keep this in mind the next time you find yourself struggling with something. 

You’re training, not suffering.

When I’m taking part in a simulated office visit at school, I find myself struggling to find the right questions to ask the patient and what the differential diagnosis may be. 

But then I remember I’m training right now. This is a practice simulation. At the end of 2 years, I’ll be much more “seasoned” and ready to help real patients out in the real world.

3. How to push through when you want to quit.

💡Action step: Reframe the challenge. Instead of seeing the difficulty as a reason to stop, see it as a test of who you’re becoming.

Take a step back and remember your ‘why’.

Why did you start this journey in the first place? What’s the reason for your suffering?

Focus on the next step in front of you, not the whole mountain.

I always tell myself during school, “I’m just trying to survive this week, I’m not worried about next month yet”.

THE COOL DOWN

In the end, this suffering you’re enduring isn’t a setback, it’s building resilience.

If you’re struggling right now, good. 

That means you’re growing. 

Lean into it, push forward, and remember, this hard moment in life is shaping you into someone stronger and more equipped to tackle this challenge in the future. 

What’s one challenge you’re facing right now, and how are you choosing to push through it? 

Reply and let me know.

Be well and Keep Pluggin’.

-C