When is the last time you did something really hard?

I have done hard things in my life, but most of them, not by choice. I would say that most people know what they are good at and seek out hobbies or activities that align with their skillsets and that they feel reasonably confident they’ll be able to accomplish, myself included. I would also say that I tend to have good insight about my abilities and know my own strengths and limitations. So, when I recently set out for the South Kaibab trail in the Grand Canyon with 3 friends and a heavy backpack, of course I started out energized and feeling ready for anything. It would be an understatement to say that I underestimated this trail and how hard it would be for me. But what a lesson it taught me. I learned about the trail and about my body as we went. Not knowing exactly what to expect from the trail meant that I couldn’t have been fully prepared. It meant making the decision over and over again, with each painful step, to keep going. It meant checking in with myself and evaluating how I felt, whether I felt safe, and whether I needed help. It also meant learning humility and how to accept help from others. I was lucky enough to be traveling with some amazing and strong friends. They quickly offered to offload some of my weight and gave me advice to change out of my ill-fitting hiking boots, which enabled me to make it down the last 3 miles. This experience allowed me to accomplish something that was truly physically and emotionally challenging. Had I not underestimated the trail, I never would have been in the position to have to do something harder than what I thought I could do.

My advice is that you get in the habit of attempting to do things harder than what you think you can do. This is the only true test of your abilities and it helps you to build confidence in stepping outside of your comfort zone. Just remember, having your people by your side to lift you up, carry your weight, and give you words of encouragement can make all the difference in what you’re actually capable of.

RaeLeigh Payanes