In today’s fast-paced world, life can often feel like too much. The weight of responsibilities, expectations, and personal struggles sometimes seems almost unbearable. Yet, as counterintuitive as it may sound, happiness isn’t the absence of struggle—it’s finding meaning within it. This simple but powerful idea serves as a compass for anyone feeling overwhelmed, reminding us that the struggles we choose, and how we navigate them, ultimately shape a fulfilling life.
The Necessity of Struggle
It’s tempting to believe that happiness lies on the other side of ease, that once we eliminate our problems, peace will follow. But life doesn’t work that way. Every meaningful pursuit—whether it’s building a career, raising a family, nurturing relationships, or personal growth—comes with challenges. The key is to engage in meaningful struggle, not to avoid struggle altogether.
“Doing hard things” is a habit much like any other. It requires practice, consistency, and resilience. And like any habit, if neglected, it can weaken over time. The more we shy away from challenges, the more intimidating they become. On the other hand, confronting difficulty head-on, even in small ways, builds confidence and inner strength.
Questions Worth Asking
As you navigate your own path, it’s worth pausing to ask yourself: What struggle gives my life meaning? And perhaps more importantly: Did I choose this struggle, or did it choose me?
These aren’t questions with simple answers. They require reflection and honesty. But in asking them, you start to distinguish between burdens that weigh you down and challenges that help you grow. Journaling on these prompts can provide surprising clarity and even serve as a weekly ritual to stay grounded.
The Importance of Community
While doing hard things is essential, doing them alone is incredibly difficult. Many of us know the feeling: waking up to unsolved problems, returning home drained from a job we dislike, or lying awake wondering if anyone truly understands what we’re going through. That sense of isolation can make even the smallest hurdles feel insurmountable.
This is where the power of community becomes transformative.
Years ago, the simple act of surrounding myself with friends who shared similar struggles changed my life. We held each other accountable, encouraged one another, and shared in each other’s progress. That experience inspired me to create Momentum—a community built for people who are ready to do hard things, not alone, but together.
Building Momentum, One Day at a Time
In Momentum, every day offers a new exercise or action step. Each month, we tackle a different theme designed to help members build a life aligned with their values. Recently, we’ve been focusing on clarifying personal values—a surprisingly challenging but eye-opening process for many. Next month, we’ll take on procrastination, learning how to stop wasting time and focus on what truly matters.
The transformations taking place inside this community are inspiring. Members share breakthroughs that speak to the power of honest reflection and mutual support:
“These exercises made me realize how much I’ve been living according to societal expectations rather than my own moral code. This community helps me see that I’m not alone, and that others are also learning to navigate their flaws and strengths.”
“Getting feedback from others shifted my perspective. Instead of immediately arguing with different viewpoints, I learned to sit with them and see where they fit into my personal values. That’s been incredibly powerful.”
The journey isn’t easy, but it’s deeply rewarding. And the beauty lies in knowing you don’t have to walk it alone.
Stories of Letting Go and Moving Forward
The real breakthroughs, though, often come from letting go—of toxic beliefs, unhealthy attachments, and limiting patterns. In last week’s reflections, members shared powerful stories of release and renewal.
Nadine shared how she broke free from a lifetime of conditional love:
“I grew up believing that love had to be earned. My marriage mirrored this toxic dynamic—I gave and gave, trying to fix my partner and earn his love. When I finally left, I was emotionally empty. But over time, I learned to set boundaries, love myself, and engage in healthy relationships where love is given freely, not as a transaction. I now live as a whole person, loving another whole person. We support each other’s individual dreams while sharing a life together.”
Bethany offered a story of painful but necessary detachment:
“For years, I clung to an unhealthy relationship out of fear and codependency. I had no language for the manipulation I was experiencing. But eventually, I realized that I couldn’t keep sacrificing my well-being. Leaving was agonizing but liberating. Since then, I’ve rediscovered my passions, opened a business, and reconnected with family and friends. Letting go wasn’t just healing—it was the start of an entirely new life.”
And finally, a gentle but powerful reminder came from another member who shared a struggle many can relate to—the fear of being forgotten:
“The little ‘check-in’ messages I send are really cries for connection. But I’m learning that relationships should be mutual. If someone doesn’t want to stay connected, I shouldn’t have to chase them. Recognizing my worth means letting go of those who don’t see it. That’s easier said than done, but it’s the truth.”
Moving Forward, Together
If life feels like a lot right now, know this: you’re not broken for feeling overwhelmed. You’re simply human. And while doing hard things will always be, well, hard—it becomes more manageable and meaningful when you have others walking alongside you.
Whether it’s finding the courage to set boundaries, rediscovering your own voice, or simply doing one hard but necessary thing this week, small steps create lasting breakthroughs.
You don’t have to do this alone.
