Do Hard Things

National Bestseller

Do Hard Things by Steve Magness is a transformative exploration of resilience and toughness. In a world where traditional notions of toughness often involve suppressing emotions and disconnecting from vulnerability, Magness presents a radical reimagining of this concept, grounded in science and practical wisdom. This book offers a profound shift in perspective, perfect for parents, coaches, and anyone seeking to overcome life's greatest challenges.

"In Do Hard Things, Steve Magness beautifully and persuasively reimagines our understanding of toughness. This is a must-read for parents and coaches and anyone else looking to prepare for life's biggest challenges." -- Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers and Talking to Strangers and host of the Revisionist History podcast

From beloved performance expert, executive coach, and coauthor of Peak Performance Steve Magness comes a radical rethinking of how we perceive toughness and what it means to achieve our high ambitions in the face of hard things.

For years, toughness has been heralded as the secret to success, whether on the sports field, in the boardroom, or at home. However, the traditional model often advocated a mentality based on fear, false bravado, and the suppression of any perceived weakness. Magness argues that this outdated model has failed us, leading many to burnout and unfulfilled potential.

Drawing on his extensive experience as a performance scientist and coach to Olympic athletes, Magness offers a new model of resilience that is both compassionate and scientifically backed. In Do Hard Things, he outlines how embracing discomfort, being mindful, and responding thoughtfully can lead to genuine inner strength.

Magness introduces four core pillars to cultivate true resilience:

• Pillar 1: Ditch the Façade, Embrace Reality – Understanding and accepting the truth of our circumstances, rather than hiding behind false bravado.
• Pillar 2: Listen to Your Body – Recognizing and responding to the signals our body sends, fostering a deeper connection with our physical and emotional states.
• Pillar 3: Respond, Instead of React – Developing the ability to respond thoughtfully to challenges rather than reacting out of fear or impulse.
• Pillar 4: Transcend Discomfort – Learning to move beyond immediate discomfort to achieve long-term growth and success.

Smart and wise all at once, Magness flips the script on what it means to be resilient. Drawing from mindfulness practices, military case studies, sports psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy, he provides a comprehensive roadmap for navigating life's challenges. By adopting Magness's approach, readers can achieve high performance in a way that promotes happiness, success, and ultimately, becoming better individuals.

Do Hard Things is not just a guide to toughness; it is a manifesto for a healthier, more effective approach to resilience and high achievement. Whether you are aiming for personal success or seeking to guide others in their journey, this book will provide the tools and insights necessary to thrive in the face of adversity.