Do Hard Things

I love my career as a financial advisor and I am convinced that everything I did professionally in my life prior to this was preparing me for this particular type of work. I’ve said time and again that this feels like meaningful, life-changing work to me.

Still, there are frustrations, disappointments and challenges occasionally that have left me wondering if I would overcome it, or if this would be the thing that did me in.

The exams are tough. Building a client base from zero is the slowest, most difficult work I’ve ever done, and it’s not the first time I’ve built a business.

Coworker and fellow advisor Michele Cash and I were talking one afternoon about challenges that each of us faced. We lamented over how “hard” we must work to accomplish some things in this industry.

So Much Worth Having Takes Hard Work

This industry isn’t unique in that area. So much of what is worth having is not easy: marriage, debt freedom, weight loss, mastering a skill or hobby. These things take hard work, often for long periods of time to achieve success.

The next day, Michele shared an Erwin McManus podcast titled, “Do Hard Things.” It’s a wonderful message that is worth the listen. McManus, a pastor, is speaking from the book of Luke and pointing out that Jesus was always calling people to a life that was difficult — a life that required the highest level of character.

“I can’t think of anything worth any value at all that’s easy,” McManus says in the podcast.

I think he’s right.

Growth Comes From Doing Hard Things

I’ve been a financial advisor for more than seven years at this point and I feel so grateful for where the hard work has gotten me.

Part of our brain expands only when we do things we don’t want to do, McManus says. You can increase your brain capacity by doing hard things. You may not be able to become who you were meant to be if you don’t do hard things.

“The easy road makes life hard in all the worst ways,” he says.

Think about that in terms of your finances. It’s so easy to take that big vacation now or buy that dream car instead of setting money aside for retirement. But think about what you’re doing to your future self.

What is your hard thing? If it’s preparing for retirement or some other long-term financial goal, I’d love to see if I can help you.

September 2026