This newsletter is about choosing the right kind of hard.

Not all discomfort is created equal. Some drains you without giving anything back. Some burns in a way that leaves you stronger.

Strategic discomfort is the second kind. It’s speaking up in the meeting when your voice shakes. Taking the class you’re not sure you can ace. Starting the run before you feel ready.

You pick a challenge that nudges you just past your comfort zone - not so far that you shut down, but far enough to make growth unavoidable.

Think of it like weight training: the load needs to be heavy enough to spark adaptation, but light enough that you can keep form. Too little and nothing changes; too much and you tear something or feel pain.

This balance isn’t static- you’ll need to recalibrate as you get stronger.

After each push, pause and ask: Was that the right kind of hard? The answer tells you whether to stay the course or find a different edge to press against. Over time, this practice turns discomfort into a compass.

Because the right kind of hard doesn’t just toughen you up - it expands the space you feel at home in.

And that’s where your edge keeps growing.

Rachna