I don't think there is a way to route the cable at the derailleur to make it too hard to move. It can make it not move far enough, or make it move too far.

Regardless, the problem appears to be happening at the derailleur. Not at the cable run along the frame or in the shifter, so the OP needs to find the manual for the derailleur to make sure they have it adjusted correctly and that the derailleur is oiled and has no obvious damage. A couple of drips of fine oil goes a long way.