The Zone of Desirable Difficulty

Too easy, and we get bored. Too hard, and we give up. The sweet spot? It's where we succeed 85% of the time and struggle 15% researchers have found.

Just enough challenge to keep us engaged, just enough progress to keep us motivated.

This is the Zone of Desirable Difficulty—where real growth happens. It's the formula for entering the flow state.

Think of it like lifting weights. If it’s effortless, you’re not building strength. If it’s impossible, you’re not building anything at all. The right weight? It pushes you, stretches you, but doesn’t break you.

In work, in learning, in leadership, we often seek to avoid this zone. We stick to what we know. We fear the struggle.

But friction isn’t failure—it’s proof we’re pushing the edge of our capabilities. 

The best teams, the best individuals—they seek this zone. They understand that discomfort is not a signal to stop, but a sign they’re exactly where they need to be.

My trainer says its “time under tension” that delivers the fastest results.

The most effective learning happens when we spend about 15% of our time in difficulty—failing, figuring things out, adapting. Not drowning but not coasting either.

So, what if instead of avoiding struggle, we optimised for it. What if we asked:

✔️ Am I too comfortable?

✔️ Am I failing just enough?

✔️ Am I growing at the right pace?

Because staying in the Zone of Desirable Difficulty isn’t a problem—it’s the solution.