Insights from ‘Do Hard Things’ by Steve Magness Flashcards
What is the traditional view of toughness compared to the scientific view as per Steve Magness?
Traditional toughness suggests ‘act confident’ and ‘ignore the pain and push on,’ while scientific toughness emphasizes ‘embrace reality’ and ‘acknowledge the pain but maintain equanimity.’
True or False: According to Steve Magness, people with doubt perform better in challenging situations.
True
Why might soldiers who expect difficulty perform better in survival training?
Soldiers expecting difficulty are better prepared mentally for challenges, making them less likely to panic or underestimate demands.
Fill in the blank: The key to staying tough is to couple ______ pessimism with ______ optimism.
short-term; long-term
What does ‘maintaining equanimity’ mean in the context of toughness?
It means keeping evenness and composure in stressful situations, rather than ignoring or being overwhelmed by discomfort.
Describe the role of the amygdala in tough situations.
The amygdala acts as an alarm system in the brain, activated by discomfort. Overactivation without control can lead to burnout.
According to the three-part method, what is the purpose of ‘zooming out and explaining’?
It involves seeing oneself from a distance and describing the situation in third-person, which helps regulate emotions by creating emotional distance.
What is the second step in the three-part method for emotional regulation?
Reappraise the situation by finding benefits in discomfort, like seeing nervousness as extra energy for focus.
Fill in the blank: Reassuring oneself by saying ‘This too shall pass’ is part of maintaining ______.
equanimity
True or False: Ignoring psychological needs makes a person tougher.
False
What are the three psychological needs identified by Steve Magness to improve resilience?
Autonomy, competency, and belonging.
How can one create a feeling of autonomy in a challenging situation?
By recognizing that even when told what to do, one can choose their response or perspective.
Fill in the blank: Progress, even small, can foster a sense of ______.
competency
What does a solo entrepreneur rely on to push through setbacks, according to Magness?
The entrepreneur relies on their mission to improve customers’ lives, which fosters a sense of belonging and resilience.
Why is fulfilling psychological needs important for sustained effort?
When psychological needs are met, a person’s drive comes from within, reducing the influence of fear and external pressure.
