Second Cup: This is when you get stronger

Stay motivated when things get tough

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio. Good Morning,
This is Laura. Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast. Today's
tip is about one way you can boost your motivation
when you are struggling or finding something really tough. Remind

(00:25):
yourself that these difficult moments are when you get stronger. Indeed,
without the difficult moments, you might not make nearly as
much progress. If you have ever done something physically challenging,
like a triathlon, you may have heard this advice before.

(00:48):
The moment when you are struggling and want to stop
is also the moment when your strength and stamina are increasing.
If you think about it, this makes sense. Our muscles
and our bodies in general get stronger when we push
them to the point of exhaustion. If we only ask

(01:08):
of our bodies what we know our bodies can already
do well, then everything is fine the way that it is.
Nothing needs to change. But if we lift a weight
that is a little bit heavier, or add another repetition,
our muscles need to build strength, so they do. If
we need to run a little farther than is comfortable,

(01:30):
then we learn to run a little farther. This idea
is relevant for all sorts of contexts beyond exercise. Let's
say you are dating again after a long relationship has ended.
Getting through the moments when you are feeling fearful or
awkward unlocks the opportunity to deepen a new relationship. This

(01:57):
is when you get stronger. Or maybe you hate public
speaking but your new job requires it. Indeed, your new
job has you giving talks twice a week. Every time
you speak in front of a crowd, and go through
your material and try out new material and pivot on

(02:20):
stage when things inevitably don't go as planned. You are
building your skills and your confidence. You are turning something
that might be frightening into something you do on Tuesday.
You are getting stronger. If you are learning a new

(02:40):
language and you muster the courage to use your new
skills to talk with a native speaker, your language skills
are getting stronger. When we are working at the edge
of our skills and expanding what we can do, whether physically, intellectually,
or psychologically, we are getting stronger. By consciously telling yourself

(03:05):
this is when I get stronger, you provide motivation to persist.
The struggle is worthwhile because it is that very struggle
that creates strength and growth, So the next time you
find yourself challenged, don't give up or walk away. Strength

(03:29):
and growth are more satisfying than ease in the long run,
even if they are tough in the moment. We just
need to picture ourselves on the other side, looking back
at the time when we thought this was tough, because
we will be able to do even more difficult things

(03:52):
in the future. In the meantime, this is Laura. Thanks
for listening, and here's to making the most of our time. Hey, everybody,
I'd love to hear from you. You can send me

(04:13):
your tips, your questions, or anything else. Just connect with
me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at Before Breakfast Pod.
That's b E the number four then Breakfast pod. You
can also shoot me an email at Before Breakfast podcast
at iHeartMedia dot com. That Before Breakfast is spelled out

(04:34):
with all the letters. Thanks so much, I look forward
to staying in touch. Before Breakfast is a production of iHeartRadio.
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