Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations

Most people don't expect you to understand what we're going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, they don't expect you to care. And even if you care, they don't expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don't expect it to last. We do. - Alex and Brett A generation stands on the brink of a "rebelution" "Do Hard Things" is the Harris twins' revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential. Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life. Then they map out five powerful ways teens can respond for personal and social change. Written by teens for teens, "Do Hard Things" is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of an already-happening teen revolution challenges a generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today. Now includes: --A new introduction from the authors, "Looking Back, Looking Ahead" --Questions (and Stories) To Get You Started --A list of 100 Hard Things to help inspire you --A study guide for personal or group use "From the Hardcover edition."

Review :
Praise for "Do Hard Things """Do Hard Things" is an extraordinary book. In fact, I believe it will prove to be one of the most life-changing, family-changing, church-changing, and culture-changing books of this generation. I'd love for every teenager to read this book, but I'm just as eager for every parent, church leader, and educator to read it." - Randy Alcorn, best-selling author of "Heaven" and "The Treasure Principle" "This book is one I would recommend to any of my friends, teen or not. If it doesn't help you, you are lying." - Carter B., age 14, North Carolina ""Do Hard Things" is so important. It is challenging teenagers to rebel against the low expectations placed on them. And the voices that are asking teens to rise to meet this challenge are voices from their own generation. That thrills me." - Chuck Colson, best-selling author of "How Now Shall We Live? ""I love the way it is written. It is crystal clear, to the point, interesting, funny, challenging, encouraging, and an easy read." - Lisa R., age 15, Australia" ""Adult expectations for youth are too low. And these twins are out to raise them. Don't adapt to the low cultural expectations for youth. Set high ones. Youth can become examples for adults. Think that way. Dream that way. Or as the Harris brothers would say, 'Rebel against low expectations.'" - John Piper, best-selling author of "Don't Waste Your Life" "The message of "Do Hard Things" is going to awaken the dreams and passions of thousands of young people all over the world. How do I know this? This radical, yet relatively simple idea, has changed my life." - Erika H., age 18, Michigan "In a culture where lazinessand ease is often the order of the day for teenagers, "Do Hard Things" presents a radical and provocative alternative. I heartily recommend this book." - R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary "This book has totally changed the way I think. I recommend it to any and every teen who has a desire to turn their life around and make a difference." - Ashley W., age 13, Georgia "Alex and Brett capture the passion and potential of our generation perfectly in this book. In "Do Hard Things" they encourage us to go above and beyond the status quo in everything from schoolwork to serving the poor. This is a truly unique and sorely needed book." - Zach Hunter, author of "Be the Change" and "Generation Change" "This book is amazing. It changes your whole way of thinking. I believe that every single teen needs to buy a copy of this book. Thanks, Alex and Brett for challenging us!" - Stacie L., age 15, Kentucky "This is an important book. And not just for those wanting to launch successfully into adulthood, but also for discontent twenty- and thirty-somethings who long to be catapulted into significance." - Ted Slater, editor of "Boundless," Focus on the Family "I'm not exactly a teenager anymore. But as I was reading I began to see how this can apply to anyone. It's never too late to start. I absolutely cannot wait to suggest this book to the 'kidults' in my life." - Matt R., age 26, Georgia "Alex and Brett are the real deal and "Do Hard Things" is a real wake up call, not just for young people, but for all God's people. I can't recommend it highly enough." - Shannon Ethridge, best-selling author of the "Every Woman'sBattle" series "This book is a wake up call to a generation that is down in the dumps. It's like a coach screaming from the sidelines, 'You can do it!!!'. I'd recommend it to anyone, young or old." - Douglas A., age 17, England ""Do Hard Things" is the textbook for anyone who works with teens; it's a philosophical and foundational must-read." - Timothy Eldred, executive director of Christian Endeavor International" " "From the Hardcover edition." entPraise for "Do Hard Things "" "Do Hard Things "is an extraordinary book. In fact, I believe it will prove to be one of the most life-changing, family-changing, church-changing, and culture-changing books of this generation. I'd love for every teenager to read this book, but I'm just as eager for every parent, church leader, and educator to read it. If you do the hard thing of saying no to distractions and yes to this remarkable book, I guarantee you'll be richly rewarded." -Randy Alcorn, best-selling author of "Heaven" and "The Treasure Principle "Do Hard Things "is easy to read, but it will challenge you to the core. It is inspiring, insightful, and practical. Parents, this book will get your teens into the right kind of trouble-the kind that comes when they dream, take risks for God, and dare to flout the status quo. Put it in their hands. Read it yourself. It's never too late to do hard things." -Joshua Harris, pastor, author, and older brother "This book is a refreshing wake up call to our generation. We "can "do hard things; and give ourselves to something huge for the Kingdom of God!" -Leeland Mooring, Grammy-nominated recording artist "Alex and Brett Harris are two extraordinary young men with a revolutionary message. In a culture where laziness and ease is often the order of the day for teenagers, "Do Hard Things "presents a radical and provocative alternative. I heartily recommend this book." -R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary "Alex and Brett capture the passion and potential of our generation perfectly in this book. In "Do Hard Things "they encourage us to go above and beyond the status quo ineverything from schoolwork to serving the poor. This is a truly unique and sorely needed book." -Zach Hunter, abolitionist and author of "Be the Change," 16 "This book will create a distinct distaste in your soul for living an easy and comfortable life. I pray that God will use this book to inspire many young people (and old alike!) to do hard things by God's grace for the glory of His name." -C.J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Ministries, author of "Living the Cross-Centered Life "and "Humility: True Greatness """Do Hard Things "is exactly the message our generation needs to hear. This book challenges us to stop and recall the things God has put in our hearts to do and take time to do them "now," Let's address the low expectations and call our generation to rise up and see what the Lord can do when we do hard things." -BarlowGirl, recording artist """This is an important book. And not just for those wanting to launch successfully into adulthood, but also for discontent twenty- and thirty-somethings who long to be catapulted into significance. The propositions in this book are neither wishful thinking about what could be nor a wistful reflection on how things used to be. The Harris brothers demonstrate with their lives and through the examples of countercultural, 'dream-big' teens around the world, that young adults can achieve great things and live rich, intentional, excellent, meaningful lives." -Ted Slater, editor of "Boundless," Focus on the Family "Alex and Brett Harris are leading the way for the fight to save their generation and in "Do Hard Things "they are beckoning others to join them. I pray that teenagers will listen to their cry and join them on thefrontlines." -Ron Luce, founder of Teen Mania Ministries and author of "Battle Cry for A Generation ""If you are a young person who wants to affect this world for Jesus Christ, read this book! I have watched Alex and Brett take on new and daunting endeavors with resolve and determination and, as a result, mature and develop into leaders for this generation and an example for "all "generations of reaching to fulfill your full potential in and for Christ." -Justice Tom Parker, ALABAMA SUPREME COURT "Alex and Brett are the real deal and "Do Hard Things "is a real wake up call, not just for young people, but for all God's people. I can't recommend it highly enough." -Shannon Ethridge, best-selling author of "Every Young Woman's Battle" and "Completely His ""Add years to your life! This book is a how-to guide for recovering the years 13 to 19. It's a good read-the trap of low expectations, the danger of leisure, surprising stories-this is stirring stuff! "Do Hard Things" is a winning combination of optimism and challenge." -Mark Dever, pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, and founder of 9Marks.org ""Do Hard Things "is the textbook for anyone who works with teens; it's a philosophical and foundational must-read." -Timothy Eldred, executive director of Christian Endeavor International "As a university professor, I am well aware of the Gen Y propensity to demand more recognition for less effort and to associate self-esteem with mere being rather than for actual accomplishment. "Do Hard Thing "is a call to teenagers everywhere to channel their energy into world-changing activity with eternal significance. I highly recommend it." -Dr. Alex Chediak, associateprofessor of engineering, California Baptist University, author of "With One Voice" " ""Our generation is filled with apathetic, complacent, and immature wimps. By contrast, Brett and Alex are leaders in our generation, and their message is that you can be too." -Hans Zeiger, author of "Reagan's Children" and "Get Off My Honor " " "To read endorsements from real teens, parents, and youth workers, visit TheRebelution.com "From the Hardcover edition." Praise for "Do Hard Things "" "Do Hard Things "is an extraordinary book. In fact, I believe it will prove to be one of the most life-changing, family-changing, church-changing, and culture-changing books of this generation. I'd love for every teenager to read this book, but I'm just as eager for every parent, church leader, and educator to read it. If you do the hard thing of saying no to distractions and yes to this remarkable book, I guarantee you'll be richly rewarded." -Randy Alcorn, best-selling author of "Heaven" and "The Treasure Principle "Do Hard Things "is easy to read, but it will challenge you to the core. It is inspiring, insightful, and practical. Parents, this book will get your teens into the right kind of trouble-the kind that comes when they dream, take risks for God, and dare to flout the status quo. Put it in their hands. Read it yourself. It's never too late to do hard things." -Joshua Harris, pastor, author, and older brother "This book is a refreshing wake up call to our generation. We "can "do hard things; and give ourselves to something huge for the Kingdom of God!" -Leeland Mooring, Grammy-nominated recording artist "Alex and Brett Harris are two extraordinary young men with a revolutionary message. In a culture where laziness and ease is often the order of the day for teenagers, "Do Hard Things "presents a radical and provocative alternative. I heartily recommend this book." -R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary "Alex and Brett capture the passion and potential of our generation perfectly in this book. In "Do Hard Things "they encourage us to go above and beyond the status quo ineverything from schoolwork to serving the poor. This is a truly unique and sorely needed book." -Zach Hunter, abolitionist and author of "Be the Change," 16 "This book will create a distinct distaste in your soul for living an easy and comfortable life. I pray that God will use this book to inspire many young people (and old alike!) to do hard things by God's grace for the glory of His name." -C.J. Mahaney, Sovereign Grace Ministries, author of "Living the Cross-Centered Life "and "Humility: True Greatness """Do Hard Things "is exactly the message our generation needs to hear. This book challenges us to stop and recall the things God has put in our hearts to do and take time to do them "now," Let's address the low expectations and call our generation to rise up and see what the Lord can do when we do hard things." -BarlowGirl, recording artist """This is an important book. And not just for those wanting to launch successfully into adulthood, but also for discontent twenty- and thirty-somethings who long to be catapulted into significance. The propositions in this book are neither wishful thinking about what could be nor a wistful reflection on how things used to be. The Harris brothers demonstrate with their lives and through the examples of countercultural, 'dream-big' teens around the world, that young adults can achieve great things and live rich, intentional, excellent, meaningful lives." -Ted Slater, editor of "Boundless," Focus on the Family "Alex and Brett Harris are leading the way for the fight to save their generation and in "Do Hard Things "they are beckoning others to join them. I pray that teenagers will listen to their cry and join them on thefrontlines." -Ron Luce, founder of Teen Mania Ministries and author of "Battle Cry for A Generation ""If you are a young person who wants to affect this world for Jesus Christ, read this book! I have watched Alex and Brett take on new and daunting endeavors with resolve and determination and, as a result, mature and develop into leaders for this generation and an example for "all "generations of reaching to fulfill your full potential in and for Christ." -Justice Tom Parker, ALABAMA SUPREME COURT "Alex and Brett are the real deal and "Do Hard Things "is a real wake up call, not just for young people, but for all God's people. I can't recommend it highly enough." -Shannon Ethridge, best-selling author of "Every Young Woman's Battle" and "Completely His ""Add years to your life! This book is a how-to guide for recovering the years 13 to 19. It's a good read-the trap of low expectations, the danger of leisure, surprising stories-this is stirring stuff! "Do Hard Things" is a winning combination of optimism and challenge." -Mark Dever, pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, and founder of 9Marks.org ""Do Hard Things "is the textbook for anyone who works with teens; it's a philosophical and foundational must-read." -Timothy Eldred, executive director of Christian Endeavor International "As a university professor, I am well aware of the Gen Y propensity to demand more recognition for less effort and to associate self-esteem with mere being rather than for actual accomplishment. "Do Hard Thing "is a call to teenagers everywhere to channel their energy into world-changing activity with eternal significance. I highly recommend it." -Dr. Alex Chediak, associateprofessor of engineering, California Baptist University, author of "With One Voice" " ""Our generation is filled with apathetic, complacent, and immature wimps. By contrast, Brett and Alex are leaders in our generation, and their message is that you can be too." -Hans Zeiger, author of "Reagan's Children" and "Get Off My Honor " " "To read endorsements from real teens, parents, and youth workers, visit TheRebelution.com "From the Hardcover edition."