Consider the following from Dr. Wendy Rice, as it relates to this week’s topic. Ever catch yourself reaching for your phone instead of tackling something important? Same here. Even with all I know about motivation and mental health, I still get stuck in cycles of procrastination—usually thanks to fear, overwhelm, or self-doubt.
I recently read a short, practical book called How to Do Things You Hate by Peter Hollins. It’s full of smart, research-based strategies for getting unstuck. But what really hit home were a few simple reminders:
- Mindset matters. When I connect with why something matters to me, it’s easier to push through resistance and get it done.
- Discomfort is part of the process. Doing hard things can feel terrible in the moment—but the payoff is real: less anxiety, more peace, and a growing sense of competence.
- Awareness creates choice. When I notice a distraction—internal or external—I can decide whether to stay the course or shift gears. That small pause is powerful.
This book was a good kickstart for me, and I thought you might find value in it too. I hope the article below gives you a few takeaways—and maybe even the nudge you need to do that thing you’ve been avoiding.
There’s no sugarcoating it: life is full of things we don’t want to do.
Waking up early. Going to the gym. Confronting uncomfortable truths. Making that awkward phone call. Finishing the boring, frustrating, or overwhelming task that’s been sitting on your to-do list for days. But here’s a radical idea: what if doing what you hate is actually one of the greatest mental health tools you have?
Not because you should suffer for the sake of it — but because learning to lean into discomfort, rather than avoid it, builds mental toughness, inner peace, and real freedom.
What Is Mental Toughness, Really?
Mental toughness isn’t about pretending to be invincible. It’s not about never struggling or never feeling afraid. True mental toughness is about showing up anyway.
Even when you’re tired. Even when you’re anxious. Even when your brain is screaming, “This sucks, I want out.” It’s the ability to do hard things — especially when you don’t feel like it.
This kind of inner strength isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build — and one of the fastest ways to build it is to regularly, intentionally do things you don’t want to do.
Why Doing What You Hate Sets You Free
Most people live at the mercy of their feelings. If something’s uncomfortable, boring, or scary, they avoid it. And slowly, their world shrinks. But every time you choose to do something hard, unpleasant, or inconvenient — you expand your capacity. You prove to yourself: “I can handle this.”
That proof does something powerful. It creates:
- Confidence – not based on hype, but evidence.
- Resilience – because discomfort is no longer the enemy.
- Freedom – from the trap of mood-based living.
- Peace – because you stop running from your own resistance.
“Discipline Equals Freedom” — and Inner Peace
Jocko Willink famously said, “Discipline equals freedom.” It’s not just a military mantra — it’s a mental health strategy.
When you train yourself to do the hard thing first:
- You have more time.
- You have less stress.
- You make better decisions.
- You’re not ruled by avoidance.
Instead of chaos, you create order. Instead of guilt, you create momentum. And instead of regret, you create peace of mind.
How to Start Doing What You Hate (Without Burning Out)
You don’t need to become a robot. You don’t need to hustle 24/7. But you do need a system for building mental toughness that respects your limits and still challenges your edges.
1. Start Small, But Start Daily
Pick one thing each day that you normally resist — and do it anyway. It can be tiny: folding laundry, going for a 10-minute walk, answering a hard email. The point is consistency.
2. Don’t Wait to Feel Like It
Motivation is unreliable. Make the task so small and obvious that you don’t need motivation — just momentum.
3. Label the Resistance
When you feel the urge to procrastinate, label it out loud: “This is discomfort. And I can handle discomfort.” This rewires your relationship with hard things.
4. Detach Emotion from Action
You don’t need to feel good about the task. You just need to do it. Let action lead, and your mood will catch up.
5. Celebrate Completion, Not Just Success
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. Every time you finish something hard, take a second to acknowledge it. That’s how you reinforce the habit.
Real Peace Comes After the Struggle, Not Before It
Many people chase mental peace by trying to make life more comfortable — fewer problems, less effort, easier choices. But real peace doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from competence — from knowing you can face life head-on and not flinch.
Every time you show up for something hard, you quiet that voice in your head that says, “I can’t.” And when that voice goes silent? You feel peace. Real peace. The kind that isn’t dependent on your circumstances.
Embrace the Hard Things — and Find Yourself There
If you want to build a strong body, you lift heavy things.
If you want to build a strong mind, you do hard things.
Mental toughness isn’t something only elite athletes or Navy Seals need. You need it. Our team of licensed psychologists and Tampa therapists need it. We all do — because life will throw discomfort our way. The only question is: will you be ready? Doing what you hate today makes you stronger tomorrow. So tie your shoes. Hit send. Make the call. Show up. And contact us in Tampa today to get started. That’s where the real freedom begins.
