The paradox of hard work

A widely held assumption is that the more effort something requires, the less likely people are to want to do it. But in 2018, a new term popped up: the paradox of hard work, or the idea that people actually like doing things that are really hard. “In fact, the enormity of a task often is why people pursue it in the first place,” Alex Hutchinson writes.

Pushing your limits can be an exciting prospect for some people, but knowing when to stop is a crucial boundary to maintain. It’s also helpful to understand why you are driven to achieve certain goals. Take fitness, for example. People who are attracted to extreme workouts that are notorious for occasionally inducing vomit could be motivated by the enjoyment of challenging themselves, or they could struggle with a fragile sense of self-worth.

Those who seek out new ways to push themselves must also accept the very real possibility of failure. But that’s not a bad thing, Hutchinson explains: “Without the possibility of failing, success is stripped of its meaning and sweetness.”

Today’s newsletter brings you stories about pushing your limits:

• “The Paradox of Hard Work,” by Alex Hutchinson. Why do people enjoy doing difficult things?
• “Why Would Anyone Want to Work Out Until They Puke?” by Julie Beck. As intense exercise programs such as CrossFit and P90X gain popularity, a look at the psychology of pushing your limits—and when that can be a bad idea. (From 2014)
• “Effort Is Not the Enemy of Compassion,” by Leslie Jamison. “My time acting the part of a patient to teach medical students, and then becoming a real patient myself, taught me the nature of learning empathy.” (From 2014)
• “The Paradox of Effort,” by James Hamblin. A medical case against too much self-control. (From 2015)
• “How Praise Became a Consolation Prize,” by Christine Gross-Loh. Helping children confront challenges requires a more nuanced understanding of the “growth mindset.” (From 2016)

— Stephanie Bai, associate editor