The Hard Parts of Meaningful Work: When to Keep Pushing and When to Pivot.

When was the last time you started a new pursuit filled with inspiration and excitement, then hours, days or months in, you slammed up against the “hard part?”

Maybe you embarked on an exciting project at work, or decided to explore a passionate hobby. In the beginning it was all potential and possibility. But then the hurdles started piling up. The doubts crept in. Discomfort set in. Suddenly this endeavor that ignited your spirit now has you questioning if you have what it takes.

In times like these, how do you know whether to keep pushing through or change course? How do you discern if the difficulty means you're off track or simply becoming stronger?

Is the pain a signal to walk away or evidence you're moving towards growth?

I've certainly faced these crossroads many times myself. That murky space between giving up or persevering is tricky terrain to navigate.

That's why I wanted to unpack this delicate balancing act in a recent conversation on the SPARKED podcast. I sat down with ?? Cynthia Morris, ?? CPCC is an artist, author, and the founder of the creative studio Original Impulse.

Cynthia was in the midst of writing her latest novel, so she shared vulnerable insights from the creative trenches. Together we explored how to know when adversity means you're on the wrong path, versus when it's just part of any worthwhile endeavor.

Here are 5 keys to knowing what “hard” is really telling you:

The Myth of Constant Ease

It’s tempting to believe that if you find your true passion, everything should feel easy and effortless all the time. But in reality, any meaningful endeavor worth pursuing involves overcoming hurdles. As Cynthia put it, “I don’t know anything that’s easy all the time, do you?” The friction and difficulty are simply part of the process. We have to challenge the myth that constant ease signals you've found the right path. In truth, adversity is inevitable, hard is going to come, even when it’s right.

Manage Your Inner Commentator

A big challenge is that persistent inner critic questioning your competency and abilities. We all have that doubting voice inside at times. Cynthia stressed the importance of noticing the commentary arise, but not letting it derail your efforts. Honor the doubts and insecurities, inquire int them, but don’t let them run the show. She advised literally talking back to that inner commentator - thanking it for the concern but forging ahead anyway. Staying focused on the process itself helps quiet the critic.

Hardship Signals Value

Rather than run from difficulty, view it as an indicator of importance. The adversity you face is likely exactly what will lead to the most learning and growth. Cynthia explained, “I feel so happy and alive when I’m engaged and wrestling with a big project that's just beyond my reach.” The unease often signals you're stretching into new territory. Let it strengthen your character and capacities. Hardship is the hallmark of anything worthwhile.

Find The 'Fun'

When the going gets tough, get creative about locating joy and engagement. Cynthia said she looks for what feels energizing or meaningful in every phase, whether it's mastering a new skill or the thrill of a challenge. She named this her “commitment points.” If you feel bogged down, take a step back and identify what about the process connects with your spirit, even if it's simply pushing your abilities or focusing intently. Locate the parts that spark fun.

Check Your Direction

Take time to check if a project is moving you toward or away from your best self. And, look at whether, knowing what you now know, you still feel the outcomes you said yes to in the beginning is still both possible and deeply desired. And, if intuition or the market is directing you toward a pivot, ask whether that pivot would still honor your original purpose for taking the endeavor on. If your gut is saying this path now feels misaligned with your core values and goals, be willing to course-correct. But also distinguish doubts that signal growth rather than wrong turns. Check in on your direction, but don't constantly second guess.

As Cynthia reminded us, the creative process rarely unfolds exactly as we expect. Trust can be placed in the larger patterns and meaning unfolding through our perseverance. Difficulty signals care, not inadequacy.

For more insights on navigating uncertainty and finding fulfillment in your work, Join me for the full SPARKED conversation with Cynthia Morris below or on your favorite podcast app.

Wishing you the inspiration and fortitude to stay the course through the hard stuff. The breakthroughs awaiting on the other side are so worth it. #careeradvice #mindfulness #personaldevelopment

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