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PROJECT OF THE WEEK

We live in a world that often celebrates ease.

Fast. Easy. Convenient. Everywhere you look, those are the promises being made. And hey, I totally get it! I love a good hack. If there’s a way to make something simpler, I’m all in. Work smarter, not harder, right? But I’ve started to notice… somewhere along the way, easy became the end goal. And I’m not so sure that’s always a good thing.

And that’s a problem because some of the best, most meaningful parts of life are hard.

Starting something new is hard. It asks us to step into uncertainty and to face the discomfort of not knowing what we're doing yet. But think about it, every great accomplishment in your life began with something new and unfamiliar. Nothing meaningful starts from your comfort zone.

Becoming a foster parent was and is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, hands down! It's stretched me emotionally, mentally, and physically. There have been moments I've felt completely unequipped. But it’s also been the most meaningful, transformative adventure of my life. The kind of growth that doesn’t come easy, but is deeply worth it.

Starting my business, Happy Spaces, was hard, too. Building something from scratch, carving out a space for my ideas and expertise, required more courage, resilience, and long nights than I expected. But now? It’s not just what I do; it’s a reflection of who I am. And I wouldn't trade that journey for anything.

Now, I’m dreaming about writing a book, something built from the 143 blog posts I’ve written so far. I know it will be hard. It already is. Organizing, editing, rewriting, facing the vulnerability of putting something permanent into the world. But again: hard does not mean bad. It means worthwhile.

And yet, think about how we talk about hard things:

"This class is so hard—maybe I should just drop it." "My boss is kind of intense—maybe they’re just not a great fit." "This new project is overwhelming—maybe I’m not the right person for it."

Sound familiar? We all do it! Hard starts to feel like a warning sign, like something’s wrong. What if, instead of running from hard, we got curious about it?

Getting Started

Maybe that class is challenging because it’s asking more of you, and that’s a good thing. Maybe your boss has high expectations because they believe in what you can do. Maybe that project is stretching you, and all you really need is a little extra support and a clearer plan.

Hard doesn’t have to mean “this isn’t working.”

Hard doesn’t mean bad. It often means important. It often means you care. It often means growth is happening.

So the next time something feels hard, pause. Ask yourself: Is this actually bad? Or is this the beginning of something meaningful?

Because easy doesn’t always bring joy, purpose, or transformation. But hard? Hard might just be the path to your most powerful story.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.

I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.

Hard Is Not the Same as Bad