Necessary Evils: Doing The Stuff You Hate Like You Love It

We live in a world where everything seems designed for our comfort and convenience—instant food delivery, endless streaming options, and even apps that save us from the horror of social interaction. But no matter how hard we try to make life as cozy as possible, there are some things we simply can’t avoid. Enter the necessary evil—those annoying, soul-sucking, but absolutely critical things we have to endure to move forward in life.

You don’t like them. I don’t like them. But they’re non-negotiable if you want to achieve anything meaningful. In this post, we’ll dive into the wonderful world of necessary evils, explaining why they’re not just there to ruin your day but to actually help you grow.

What Exactly Is a Necessary Evil?

A necessary evil is something unpleasant, annoying, or downright awful that you have to deal with to get a bigger payoff in the future. It’s the thing you wish you didn’t have to do but know you absolutely can’t skip if you want to get anywhere in life. Think of it as the spinach in your life salad—sure, it’s not as tasty as croutons, but you need it for all those vitamins (or success, in this case).

In short, necessary evils are the discomforts that fuel progress. You may hate waking up early or forcing yourself to hit the gym, but both are essential to feeling good later, whether it’s achieving better health, career success, or just getting through the day without a meltdown.

Why Do We Need Them?

The reason necessary evils exist is because life isn’t a straight shot to success and happiness. Growth, whether personal or societal, often requires sacrifice. Here’s why:

1. They Build Resilience

If life were all cupcakes and rainbows, we’d never develop the strength to deal with the tough stuff. Facing down difficult tasks (yes, like doing your taxes or learning to say “no” to yet another Netflix binge) forces you to get stronger. Science backs this up: a 2015 study by the University of Chicago found that people who embraced challenging tasks showed higher levels of resilience and grit over time. So, every time you do something you hate—congrats, you’re getting tougher.

2. They Push Us to Grow

You’ve heard it before: growth only happens outside of your comfort zone. This isn’t just some motivational poster nonsense—it’s real. A study from Stanford University found that people who consistently faced difficult situations developed greater adaptability and problem-solving skills. Think of the person who drags themselves to the gym after work. Sure, they’d rather be on the couch eating nachos, but in the long run, they’re getting stronger, faster, and healthier. Growth hurts. Literally, in this case.

3. They Make Success Possible

Here’s the kicker: nothing worth achieving is easy. Studies have consistently shown that the ability to delay gratification is a key indicator of long-term success. Remember the famous Stanford Marshmallow Experiment from the 1970s? Researchers found that kids who could resist eating one marshmallow to get two later ended up with higher test scores, better health, and overall success later in life. Why? Because they learned to endure short-term discomfort for long-term gain. In other words, necessary evils teach us how to win.

Fun Fact: The Science Behind Discomfort

Turns out, the brain is wired to hate discomfort (shocking, I know). But here's where it gets interesting: when you push through that initial "ugh" feeling and complete a hard task, your brain rewards you with a nice hit of dopamine—the feel-good hormone. According to research published in Nature Neuroscience, overcoming a challenge can activate the brain's reward system, making you feel more satisfied after the fact. It’s like your brain saying, “Okay, you earned this,” which is why finishing a tough workout or finally clearing out your inbox feels so oddly satisfying. Necessary evil? More like necessary brain hack.

The Necessary Evils We Love (To Hate)

So what are these pesky necessary evils we all have to deal with? While everyone’s list looks a little different, here are some common ones that we all face at some point:

1. Waking Up Early

Yeah, no one likes this one. But there’s a reason so many successful people swear by it. Studies show that early risers are more proactive and tend to be more productive throughout the day. According to a 2008 study published in the Journal of General Psychology, early birds are more likely to take initiative and achieve long-term goals. So, if you want to crush it at life, you might have to say goodbye to the snooze button.

2. Exercise

We all know it’s good for us, but getting up and moving can feel like a Herculean task some days. But here's the deal: regular exercise boosts mood, lowers stress, and improves overall health. A Harvard Medical School study found that even just 30 minutes of exercise a day can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30%. Necessary evil? More like life-saving inconvenience.

3. Saving Money

Putting cash aside for the future feels a lot less fun than spending it on immediate wants. However, saving is essential for financial stability. A study by Northwestern Mutual found that people with a solid savings plan were significantly less stressed about finances and more prepared for life's unexpected curveballs. So while budgeting might feel like a buzzkill now, it’s what keeps you from eating ramen noodles at 65.

4. Learning New Skills

Whether it’s picking up a second language or mastering a new software, learning is a grind. But it’s also what keeps us sharp and competitive. A 2016 study from the National Bureau of Economic Research showed that people who continually learned new skills were more adaptable and successful in their careers. So while the thought of learning might make you groan, it’s what keeps you from getting left behind.

5. Facing Rejection

No one likes being told “no,” but rejection is part of life, especially if you’re pushing toward something big. Whether it’s job applications, dating, or pitching a new idea, facing rejection builds resilience and teaches us to improve. A 2012 study in the journal Psychological Science found that people who bounced back from rejection were more likely to succeed in future endeavors because they learned to adjust their approach and persevere.

Necessary Evils Aren’t Evil—They’re Essential

So, here’s the thing: necessary evils are just that—necessary. Without them, there’s no growth, no success, no change. If everything were easy, we’d all be lounging around, stagnant, and bored out of our minds. But by embracing the hard stuff—the early mornings, the rejections, the workouts, and yes, even the budgeting—we’re setting ourselves up for something much bigger and better.

Instead of dreading these tasks, try reframing them. They’re not roadblocks. They’re stepping stones. And the sooner we get comfortable with being uncomfortable, the faster we move toward the lives we actually want to live.

So, next time you’re faced with one of these "evils," remember: it’s not just something to get through. It’s the very thing that’s pushing you forward.

Now, go do the hard stuff—you’ll thank yourself later.