Train Tough, Live Better: A Review of Do Hard Things by Steve Magness

One of the main themes here on The Herculean Way has been that pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones is an important, if not essential, state to be in if one wants to live the good life. In the first of the blogs on this site written about Arnold Schwarzenneger's book Be Useful, the theme was about how consistent and dedicated "hard" work was a necessary precondition for living life well. Once more, I've come back to this theme inspired by another book I've come across and read.

In Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness, performance coach Steve Magness gives voice to that very creed, redefining toughness in a way that resonates deeply with our commitment to strength, integrity, and personal transformation.

Magness dismantles the idea that toughness is about stoicism, burnout, or brute force. Instead, he argues that real toughness—the kind promoted by The Herculean Way—is rooted in awareness, adaptability, and purpose. He outlines four foundational pillars of this modern resilience:

1. Embrace reality.

2. Listen to your body.

3. Respond instead of react.

4. Find meaning in discomfort.

This message isn’t new. It echoes the ancient Greek wisdom we often draw from here—Socrates’ call to physical and moral excellence, Epictetus’ reminder that our strength lies in mastering our responses. Magness retools these eternal truths for the modern athlete and for us all. He shows how the gym, the mat, or the trail become proving grounds for something deeper than fitness: the forging of character.

That’s why this book belongs in the library of anyone walking The Herculean Way. The message central to the book, and to The Herculean Way, is that building discipline of the body strengthens the mind, and cultivates a mental toughness that carries into work, relationships, and community.

Magness’s approach is especially valuable in a culture that glorifies materialism, instant gratification and pleasure. At The Herculean Way, we reject that path. We train hard to become sharper, steadier, more grounded versions of who we are. Do Hard Things affirms that mission and offers a practical guide to live it more fully.

“Training is life in microcosm. The toughness you build there is the same resilience that gets you through everything else.”— Steve Magness

Socrates once said, “It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” Here on The Herculean Way, we take Socrates and realise his idea fully: the goal is not just strength—it’s excellence. And excellence, as Magness reminds us, is built through thoughtful effort, daily struggle, and a willingness to face discomfort with courage.

Conclusion

If you’re committed to the path of hard-earned growth—to forging yourself through challenge, not escaping it—Do Hard Things is essential reading. It doesn’t just explain toughness. It teaches you how to live it—the Herculean way.