It’s difficult.
But, like a lot of difficult skills, it can be trained for and learned. The keys to success are: thorough preparation and knowledge of what is required; a good instructor; and plenty of practice.
To fly safely under IFR (and to pass the test), you must:
§ Be able to fly on instruments with relaxed confidence. If this element is “hard work”, the other bits of the puzzle will not receive adequate attention. Smooth, accurate control of height, heading, speed and trim in different configurations is absolutely crucial
§ Be able to use all the aids in the aircraft to navigate. You must know where you are, where you want to go, how to guide yourself there and how to monitor your progress along the route in 4 dimensions.
§ Be able to liaise confidently with ATC. Preparing and filing your flight plan, obtaining your clearance, making position reports as required and maintaining a mental model of other traffic around you are all vital skills.
§ Be able to operate your aircraft in accordance with your school’s manuals, policies and checklists; as well as the SERA and other relevant legislation.
§ Have a good working knowledge of air law, meteorology, radio aids and instruments.
A good instructor will get you to develop a routine flow during cruising flight, which will tie all the above elements together into a smooth operation. Techniques such as prioritisation, cockpit discipline, organised paperwork/tablet displays and workload management will all help.
The privileges and responsibilities that go with a professional licence and instrument rating are serious and wide-ranging. It’s right that entry into this exclusive club is restricted to those who can prove that they can safely and reliably perform to the required standards.
Once you can do it, it’s also very enjoyable but I agree that getting there is tough!
Good luck!