Throughout the book Magness discusses not only dealing with physical pain and barriers but with mental barriers to performance. Satisfying our basic needs is the fuel that allows us to put to work all of the tools we’ve developed to be tough. Do Hard Things is a recent book from an author of my favorite book about burnout (Peak Performance).

Compounding our confusion, we’ve resorted to tying toughness to masculinity and an ethos of machismo.Yet, the prevailing model has promoted a mentality based on fear, false bravado, and hiding any sign of weakness. What I mean by real toughness is the confidence that will equip us to not only do hard things that challenge us and help us grow, but to enjoy the process of engaging in difficult projects, athletic challenges, or conversations, all of which will help us become better, happier people. Both Apple and Google state that they ensure that only users who have actually downloaded the app can submit a review. The title suggested that the author would be discussing both how people get resilience wrong, and the ‘surprising science’ of real toughness.

What does a football player who learns to push himself only when a coach is screaming in his face do when it’s him alone on the field? Raising the floor, on the other hand, simply requires you to set a manageable target – perhaps even an easy target.

Do Hard Things' by Steve Magness is a motivational book that challenges the notion of settling for mediocrity.