Do Hard Things
It’s good for a man, no matter his age, to do hard things; to regularly take on strenuous challenges beyond his capacity. Willingly do hard things forms in a man the virtue of fortitude, the ability to stand firm in trial. It is common to see a man flounder under the trials of life. It is uncommon to see a man stand firm like a pillar in stone.
What are the hard things a man should do?
There are some hard things every man should take on regularly: strenuous exercise, fasting, limited sleep (for a good purpose, not for Netflix), extended prayer times, climbing a mountain, extra unpaid work.
Then there are the hard things that cultivate the virtue of fortitude like fertilizer during a spring rain that men skip out all the time. We justify skipping these hard things because of the activities above. We all know those above activities are difficult. And easy at the same time. But that hard things that will grow a man are passed over for comfort.
Like not defending yourself when your wife is angry.
Such as telling the truth when it is advantageous not to.
Being silent when you’d rather speak or speaking up when you’d rather be silent.
Defending the honor of someone you don’t particularly like, praying for the one who abuses you.
Dismissing your many preferences for the good of another.
Sacrificing the comfort of complacency for a more strenuous life.
Refusing to retaliate when retaliation would make you feel powerful
These are the actions that turn a man into a man of fortitude, able to stand through the storms of life. It is these men we want to emulate and these men who we celebrate.
Do the hard things today. It’s good for you.