Author: Alex and Brett Harris
Genre: Self-help/ Young adult
“Age is no excuse to postpone your calling.”
When we hear the word “teenager,” what do we associate it with? The picture that often comes into our mind is that of rebellious kids, kids who have a lot of energy, kids who are going through puberty changes, kids who are discovering new things about themselves, and a lot more. We often feel that they are not mature enough to take on the challenges of life as they do not possess the required skill set or abilities which will help them overcome the obstacles in the way a mature adult can overcome with the help of his or her thinking. However, one book begs to differ on this opinion. It feels that teenagers are as much as capable as adults when it comes to taking responsibility. Which book talks about this interesting take ? Lets explore.
About the book: Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectation by Alex and Brett Harris is a book that challenges the modern notion of adolescence and encourages young people to embrace responsibility, hard work, and meaningful challenges during their teenage years. The twin brothers were 19 years old when they wrote this book. They started a blog which was supposed to be a movement to inspire young people to rebel against the low expectations society places on them.
The book says that modern culture has artificially lowered expectations for teenagers. It has created a self-fulfilling prophecy where young people meet only the minimal standards set for them. However, the authors feel that capability isn’t determined by age. They provide historical examples of teenagers throughout history who accomplished remarkable feats – from Alexander the Great leading armies at age sixteen to Clara Barton teaching school at age fifteen .
They write that teenagers should undertake five types of hard things which are as follows:
- Things which are outside their comfort zone– This helps to stretch one’s abilities and forces a person to grow.
- Things that go beyond what’s expected– This will enable one to pursue a path of excellence.
- Things that are too big to accomplish alone: This builds a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
- Things that don’t pay off immediately: This helps to build character, helps to master the art of delayed gratification and seek future rewards.
- Things that challenge the cultural norm: Peer pressure is a norm while growing up. By challenging the cultural norm, one makes a conscious effort as regards to what needs to be undertaken as regards to media consumption, relationships, and personal conduct.
However, the central argument of the book is that tackling difficult challenges forms character in ways that comfort and ease cannot. The Harris brothers draw on both psychological research and biblical principles to argue that perseverance through difficulty builds resilience, confidence, and moral strength. They contrast this approach with what they call “the comfort cult” – our society’s tendency to prioritize ease and pleasure above growth and purpose.
Analysis: “Do Hard Things” effectively blends personal stories, historical examples, and biblical principles to make its case. The Harris brothers draw from their own experiences when they organized political campaigns, spoke at conferences, and built an online community to demonstrate what teenagers can accomplish when challenged.
The book offers specific strategies and real-world examples of teenagers doing remarkable things. At the end of each chapter, thought-provoking questions and steps which will make the process of taking action simpler is provided to the readers.
The authors’ writing style is accessible and engaging, strategically using humor and personal anecdotes to maintain reader interest while addressing substantive topics. Their first-hand experience as teenagers tackling significant challenges lends credibility to their message.
The book’s Christian perspective tries to provide an ethical foundation, but this framing tends to limit its appeal to secular readers. This is because the core principles discussed are broadly applicable irrespective of their religion. Also, the frequent biblical references and faith-based motivations may not resonate with all audiences.
There might also be some aversion to the fact that the book places heavy emphasis on achievement and external accomplishments. This may potentially create pressure for already-stressed teenagers and create a scenario of unfair comparisons.
Despite the limitations, the book has inspired countless teenagers to launch projects, businesses, ministries, and initiatives that serve others and develop their own capabilities. This has helped to explore the untapped areas of character development and youth potential.
Verdict: “Do Hard Things” presents a compelling vision for teenage potential that stands in stark contrast to much of contemporary youth culture. Its core message about the value of challenge, responsibility, and meaningful work resonates regardless of religious background.
It offers a refreshing alternative to the typical messaging aimed at their demographic. For parents and educators, it provides a framework for encouraging teenage excellence without micromanaging.
In a culture that often celebrates ease and comfort, “Do Hard Things” makes a persuasive case that true fulfillment comes through embracing challenges that matter.
The book though written in 2008, continues to be relevant even today. This is because it challenges the notion that the teenage years should be merely a time of leisure and minimal responsibility. By encouraging young people to tackle meaningful challenges, the Harris brothers have created a manifesto for teenage potential that has inspired countless readers to reject complacency and pursue excellence.
Cite Bite: “Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth.”
Que : What was the name of the blog the teen brothers started?
a. The Revolution
b. The Rebellution
c. The Rebels
d. The Misfits
The Expression Hub 