In the second installment of his six-part mantra series, Glenn Agoncillo introduces a powerful and deceptively simple affirmation: "I Can Do Hard Things." While this phrase has gained popularity in various self-help and parenting circles, Glenn's exploration of it in the "Living in Muchness" podcast goes beyond surface-level motivation. He delves into the psychological resilience required to confront life’s inevitable difficulties and the transformative power of shifting one's internal dialogue.
The power of the mantra "I Can Do Hard Things" lies in its dual acknowledgment of both the difficulty of a task and the capability of the individual. It does not minimize the struggle; rather, it validates it. When Glenn shares his personal experiences with challenges, he is not presenting a highlight reel of success but a raw look at the process of overcoming. This authenticity is key to the mantra’s effectiveness. It acknowledges that the journey is often messy, painful, and filled with doubt. However, by affirming "I can," the individual asserts their agency and sovereignty over their own life. This is a core component of Glenn’s "Muchness" philosophy—recognizing that our strength is not found in the absence of difficulty but in our ability to navigate through it.
Throughout the episode, Glenn invites his listeners to identify the "hard things" in their own lives. Glenn removes the shame that often accompanies failure or slow progress. He encourages his audience to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as evidence of inadequacy. This reframing is essential for building long-term resilience. When we stop viewing "hard things" as threats to our safety or self-worth, we are free to engage with them more creatively and persistently. The mantra thus becomes a steady rhythm that guides the listener through the "wildernesses" of life, as mentioned in similar spiritual and philosophical discussions about the evolution of faith and routine.
