Why is it so hard?

We have all weathered the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) without too much damage so why isn't it getting any easier? I was taught as a child that things worth having don't come easy but that doesn't explain it. In my psychology studies I have learned that we need to keep experiencing the same or similar difficulties so that we (eventually) learn but that doesn't help me either. I have come to the realization that it has to be hard to be of value. What do you find hard? Is it running marathons, selling yourself, or perhaps it's paying your bills on time.
My list of things that I find hard include driving around the Sandown race track in less than 1 minute 27 seconds, writing succinctly, and knowing how to get the absolute best out of people. The difference between your list and mine is that I want to do something about my list. Of the 100 odd things that I find hard I have divided them into three groups, things I must do, things I should do, and things I could do. I then toss out the last two groups, life is too short to be perfect so I am only going to focus on things I must do.
That doesn't mean that I'm only going to do the must do things in my life. That doesn't make sense to me. My life is about providing value to others as well as doing what I want. I am happy to invest 75% of my energy doing what other people want me to do but I need to make sure there is some "me" time in the remaining 25%.
My must do list includes studying for my PhD, improving my skills on the race track, and improving my skills and knowledge in communication (just to name three). What would be on your list? How much time do you make each week to work on your things? Do me (and yourself) a favor and make a list of three must do things. Now ask yourself, "what is stopping me working on these three things this week?" Can I suggest that the answer is "probably nothing!"
Launching this blog was one of my actions this week. It took me all of 30 minutes to set it up and type in what I have done so far. I commit to write something here weekly from now on, how much value will reside here will be for you to determine. I think I have some good ideas to share. Just writing them down makes them easier to understand.
Here is my plan, to comment on what I am learning in my PhD, to share any useful experiences from my week, and to encourage others to comment on anything in the blog. I aim to get good at this so be patient with me. Making a start is half the battle and I have done that.

Chris