Sticky note with a motivational quote: 'Handle Hard Better.' — Kara Lawson, Duke Basketball

“Handle Hard Better.”

Mar 17, 2026 | Quotes & the Stories Behind Them

By Johnny Black, Managing Partner

As March Madness starts this week, I thought I would share a basketball quote.

“Handle Hard Better.” – Coach Kara Lawson, Duke Basketball

3 years ago, Coach Kara Lawson for the Duke Women’s Basketball Team shared this video:

Most people move through life believing that at some point, things will get easier, but that moment never comes. The challenge doesn’t shrink; it stays constant or even grows.

What changes is you.

The real advantage in life comes from developing the ability to stay steady, focused, and effective when things are hard. Instead of waiting for ease, successful people build the capacity to carry difficulty better.

The goal isn’t an easier life…
It’s becoming someone who can handle hard better.

Watch the clip…shoot me a note…tell me what it means to you.

 


 

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