How to Try Harder

Jon Headley
3 min readMar 1, 2023

…according to ChatGPT

Trying harder can mean different things to different people. For some, it might mean working harder to achieve a specific goal, while for others, it might mean putting in more effort to improve their overall quality of life. Regardless of what trying harder means to you, there are several strategies you can use to increase your chances of success. Here are some tips on how to try harder:

Set Specific Goals

One of the most effective ways to try harder is to set specific, achievable goals. Goals give you something to work towards and help keep you motivated when the going gets tough. Make sure your goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). For example, instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” set a goal like “I want to lose 10 pounds in the next 3 months by going to the gym three times a week and eating a balanced diet.”

Break Down Tasks Into Manageable Steps

If your goal is particularly challenging or overwhelming, it can be helpful to break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, you might break it down into smaller steps, such as running a mile without stopping, running 5k, and so on. Breaking down your goal into smaller steps makes it feel less daunting and more achievable.

Build Habits

Developing good habits is key to achieving your goals. Habits are automatic behaviors that become ingrained over time. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, start by making it a habit to go to the gym at the same time every day. Habits take time to develop, so be patient and persistent.

Track Your Progress

Tracking your progress is an effective way to stay motivated and accountable. It helps you see how far you’ve come and what you still need to do to achieve your goal. Keep a journal, use a goal-tracking app, or enlist a friend or family member to help you stay on track.

Stay Positive

A positive attitude can make all the difference when you’re trying to achieve a goal. Stay positive and focus on what you can control. When setbacks happen (and they will), stay resilient and keep pushing forward.

Be Accountable

Accountability is a powerful motivator. Let someone else know about your goals, so they can hold you accountable. Share your progress with them, and ask for their support and encouragement.

Seek Support

Trying harder can be challenging, and it’s important to have a support system in place. Surround yourself with people who encourage and inspire you. Join a group or community of like-minded people who share your goals.

Embrace Failure

Failure is a natural part of the process when you’re trying harder. Don’t let it discourage you or cause you to give up. Instead, view failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Use your failures as a chance to identify what went wrong and what you can do differently next time.

Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is crucial when you’re trying harder. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and taking breaks when you need them. Also, practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself.

In conclusion, trying harder requires effort, patience, and persistence. By setting specific goals, breaking them down into manageable tasks, building good habits, tracking your progress, staying positive, being accountable, seeking support, embracing failure, and practicing self-care, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, trying harder isn’t about being perfect. It’s about giving your best effort and constantly striving to improve.

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Jon Headley

From Electrical Engineering to officer in the Air Force to copier salesman to network engineer to python developer to cybersecurity…where will I go next?