The phrase "harder stages" implies that there are certain parts of a task or journey that become more difficult as you progress further. Full definition
This ups end - level ranks, and opens even harder stages to tackle. (blog.us.playstation.com)
I use the Sno ice cream maker since it has a built - in compressor unlike the Cuisinart models which depend on dumping heat into the bowl to work so they always reach the near hard stage not the soft serve stage before I freeze them. (loveandlemons.com)
Being a mom is hard when your kids are fully verbal and can tell you exactly what they need, so when you meet a friend or someone in your family has just had their first, you have a whole new appreciation for how hard that stage is. (breastfeedbabywearclothdiaper.com)