This #MakeItHappenMonday, we’re diving into a mindset shift that can make a real difference in how you approach challenges in your career: embracing a difficulty scale instead of labelling things as “too hard.” Why? Because the idea of something being “too hard” is mostly subjective – what feels challenging to one performer might feel doable to another. This shift in thinking helps you take charge of your goals and, importantly, brings you closer to creating your success.

Reframe Your Thinking

The “too hard” label is often just another way of saying, “I’m not sure I can do this.” But what if, instead, you thought of your goal as lying somewhere on a scale of difficulty? Just like how you might rate the challenge of singing a particular song or nailing a complex dance move, use a similar scale to gauge your career goals. This gives you a more practical sense of where your goal lies and makes it feel less daunting.

Sarah Knight, in her book Get Your Sh*t Together*, shares a valuable reminder that “too hard” is often just another way of saying, “I quit before I even tried.” While becoming the next Broadway superstar or consistently landing lead roles might feel like a tall order, remember: “hard” is subjective, but “too hard” implies it’s out of reach before you’ve even taken a step forward. Let’s unpack this with a difficulty scale instead.

Breaking Down the Difficulty Scale

1. Easy (1-3): Tasks you can accomplish with a little effort – like warming up for an audition or updating your CV. These might seem small, but they’re essential foundations.
2. Moderate (4-6): These require planning and a bit more time – maybe learning a new monologue, trying a new acting technique, or expanding your network. They take more effort but are within reach.
3. Challenging (7-9): This is where real growth happens. Maybe it’s creating your first solo show, starting an online series, or auditioning for a role you really want. These goals push you out of your comfort zone but are achievable with dedication and perseverance.
4. Very Challenging (10): These might be career-defining moments, like leading a feature film or performing on a world-renowned stage. They’re big, but if others have achieved them, they’re absolutely possible.

Using this scale, you can evaluate where a goal sits and create an action plan that feels doable. Instead of seeing it as “too hard,” break it down to understand what makes it feel difficult and how you can tackle it, step by step.

Actionable Steps to Move Along Your Difficulty Scale

1. Identify Your Next Goal: Think of something you’ve labelled as “too hard” and reassess it on the difficulty scale. Write down where it lands for you – is it moderate, challenging, or very challenging? Labelling it with a number rather than a fear-based “too hard” label makes it feel more achievable.
2. Break It Into Steps: If a goal feels like a “9,” for instance, break it into smaller steps that might fall at a “5” or “6.” This could mean working on a new skill, such as taking an accent class if you’re aiming for a challenging role, or focusing on physical conditioning for a dance-heavy gig. Each smaller step brings you closer to the overall goal.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: Each time you reach a “5” goal or overcome a “7” challenge, take a moment to acknowledge it. These small wins remind you that you’re moving forward, building resilience, and pushing your boundaries.
4. Re-evaluate and Adjust: Check in periodically. Perhaps what felt like an “8” on your difficulty scale a few months ago now feels like a “5.” Growth and learning shift our perspective, and it’s essential to reassess goals and adjust as we progress.

Your #MakeItHappenMonday Challenge

Choose one goal you’ve labelled as “too hard,” place it on the difficulty scale, and write down three actions you can take this week to move towards it. By the end of the week, look back and celebrate the progress you’ve made, no matter how small!

Embrace the Scale, Embrace the Journey

Our industry can sometimes make things feel impossibly tough. But remember, if your goal is achievable in steps, it’s not “too hard” – it’s just on the scale! So, let’s leave “too hard” behind and start moving forward, one step at a time. Embrace the difficulty, and you’ll find it leads you closer to the success you’re building.

Stay resilient, stay inspired, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this!