If We Truly Knew How Difficult Things Are, We Would Never Do Them

“If you want to conquer something truly significant, it requires 100% physical and 100% mental commitment.” - James Lawrence

These words from James Lawrence, who completed 100 Ironman's in 100 days, perfectly capture the essence of achieving the seemingly impossible. I recently watched his documentary Iron Cowboy: The Conquer 100 and its time to reflect.

When we take on monumental challenges, we often have no idea just how tough they will be. And maybe that’s a good thing. If we knew how difficult it would be, we might never start. But once we commit—once we go all in with both our bodies and minds—we discover that we are capable of so much more than we thought possible.

I have personally faced many challenges in athletics, business, life and leadership. Each time, there were dark moments when the difficulty seemed overwhelming. But it was during those times that I learned the truth—if you want to achieve something great, you need to give 100% physically and 100% mentally. Let me explain and break this down.

Concept 1: The Myth of Balance - Commit Fully

We often hear about the importance of balance, about not overcommitting. But when you face something that genuinely matters—a goal that can change your career, or a race that can transform your self-belief—you have to be willing to go all in. This is not about recklessness but about deep commitment. The kind that means you’re fully invested both physically and mentally, no hedging, no half measures.

The only way to get through is by dedicating 100% of your energy and resilience. Understand that your growth lies beyond the discomfort. Be all in, because anything less will leave you wanting.

Concept 2: 100% Physical - Take Action, Every Day

Physical commitment isn’t just for athletes or mountaineers; it’s about taking action every day toward your goal. Every small step counts, especially when the going gets tough. A challenge that feels insurmountable is often conquered through consistency. It's about the run when it’s raining, the work when you’re exhausted, and the persistence when results aren't visible yet.

Your body’s capacity often exceeds what your mind can conceive. By taking physical action each day, you build momentum that can carry you through when doubts inevitably arise. Action drives motivation, not the other way around.

Concept 3: 100% Mental - Believe You Can Finish

Equally important is mental resilience. We’ve all heard the adage that life is 90% mental, 10% physical—whether you’re striving to hit targets at work or cross an ultra-marathon finish line. To get through the toughest parts, you need to cultivate unshakable belief in your ability to succeed.

This means embracing both the highs and lows. When everything feels like it's falling apart, it's your mindset that pulls you through. Mental toughness isn’t about feeling invincible; it’s about understanding that the path will be arduous and choosing to continue regardless.

Concept 4: Embrace the Darkness

Challenges often lead us to places of discomfort and uncertainty, which I call "the darkness." The darkness is where growth happens—it’s where you meet the truest form of yourself. When you’re deep in the struggle, the willingness to stay there, to sit with your discomfort, and keep moving is what defines you.

Imagine running an ultra-marathon, and you hit the proverbial "wall" at kilometer 40. Everything in your body and mind screams for you to quit. It’s at this point where embracing the darkness makes all the difference. Accept the pain as part of the journey, not as a signal to stop.

How to Get Through - A Framework for Overcoming Challenges

1. Focus on Small Wins: When the goal feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller, manageable parts. Focus on one step at a time—completing each moment can fuel you to take the next.
2. Visualize the End State: Keep your eyes on what success will feel like. Visualization can be powerful when your motivation begins to waver. Picture the achievement in detail—whether it’s the finish line of a race or delivering a successful project.
3. Cultivate Resilience: Understand that setbacks are inevitable. Each one is a lesson, an opportunity to adapt, and an invitation to keep moving. Resilience isn’t about not falling; it’s about how quickly you get back up.
4. Find Purpose in the Struggle: Make sure your “why” is strong enough. Challenges are mentally and physically exhausting, and the only thing that will carry you through those moments of doubt is the deeper reason behind your effort.

What seems impossible is only impossible until you take the first step and make it real. Every achievement starts as an impossible idea—until it's done

If we knew exactly how difficult our endeavors would be, we might not even begin. And maybe that’s why life doesn’t give us a roadmap for how hard the journey will be—it wants us to discover our true potential along the way.

By committing fully, both mentally and physically, by embracing the discomfort and the darkness, we find out what we are truly capable of. Remember, 100% is just a starting point. When the challenge is great, you need to be willing to give all that you have and more.

The next time you hesitate to take on something that feels beyond your reach, remind yourself that true growth comes from pushing through. The impossible is only impossible until it’s done.

Connect With Me

Are you ready to take the next big step in your life or career? Whether you’re facing a personal challenge, striving for a new professional milestone, or wanting to unlock your true potential, or even run an ultra, complete an ironman! I’m here to help. Let’s overcome the darkness and grow beyond what you ever thought was possible.