Why I Start My Day with the Hardest Thing

How facing resistance first builds clarity, momentum, and confidence.

A few years ago, I signed up for a 10K race.

I wasn’t a runner. I wasn’t even close. But I was drawn to the idea of facing something hard that demanded effort and focus before the world could interrupt.

So I trained in the mornings. While the neighborhood slept, I laced up my shoes and hit the pavement. I learned something during those early miles that I now apply far beyond running:

Do the hard thing first.

Adam Grant put it well:

“Most people save hard tasks for later, but it's better to tackle them first.”

We tend to delay the difficult: the big presentation, the uncomfortable email, or the creative draft that requires solitude.

But when I started running first thing, I felt different.
Not just physically. Mentally.

By 7 AM, I had already conquered resistance. The rest of the day felt lighter.

It turns out, there’s science behind this. As Grant notes, doing challenging tasks early improves productivity, creativity, and even emotional well-being, especially for early birds.

It makes sense. When you take on a meaningful challenge early, you're not just checking a box. You’re building momentum. You're telling your brain: “I lead. I don’t avoid.”

I’ve carried this habit into work. I often start with my most challenging task, which requires the most attention and courage.

It’s rarely urgent. But it’s always important.

Sometimes it’s deep strategy work.
Sometimes it’s giving thoughtful feedback.
Sometimes it’s making a decision I’ve been avoiding.

Each time, I feel the same effect:
More clarity. More energy. More time for the rest.

So here’s the question I ask myself every morning:
“What’s the hard thing I’m most likely to avoid today?”

And then I begin there.

It doesn’t mean I always finish it.
But I always face it.

Try this tomorrow:
Pick the task you’d usually delay.
Tackle it before your inbox opens.
Then notice how the rest of your day shifts.

Because starting with the hard thing isn’t just productive.
It’s powerful.