Why You Should Do Hard Things

I completed my first triathlon last month.

Why?

Well, funny enough, both throughout training and after finishing the race – that’s the most common question I was asked.

Before embarking on this challenge, I too, often wondered the same thing.

Isn’t that something only crazy, obsessive people do? No one’s forcing them to do this, right? So, why bother? What’s the point?

I struggled to understand the motivation behind tackling these grueling tests of endurance.

Why would anyone – triathletes, marathoners, or even everyday joggers – willingly decide to embrace such discomfort?

Surely, there must be an easier way.

***

But after months of training and eventually crossing the finish line, I came to a sudden realization.

It’s not just about building strength or boosting endurance or developing the mental capacity to push through exhaustion or pain – it’s something deeper, something more impactful than that.

To prove you can do hard things.

The more difficult things you push yourself to do, the more confidence you’ll build and the more competent you’ll see yourself to be.

You see, our self-image is a collection of historical evidence of our abilities. Tackling something hard builds mental fortitude and gives us the confidence needed to confront obstacles in the future.

As Ryan Holiday once wisely said, “Belief in yourself is overrated. Generate evidence.”

Doing hard things spurs personal growth. It forces us to confront our true selves, revealing a reservoir of strength we never knew existed.

It serves as a powerful reminder in a sort of “hey, I did that, so I can do this” sort of way – that you’re stronger than you thought you were. More capable. More resilient.

Hard work is also one component of life that is never wasted. It doesn’t matter if you fail to reach that external goal you were aiming for. You’re not chasing that.

It’s the inner strength you’ve developed that truly counts.

***

What kind of hiking trip would you choose?

Option 1: Smooth sailing the whole time, no significant stress, just a pleasant journey. Enjoyable from start to finish.

Option 2: A grueling journey with moments of pain, steep climbs, icy streams to cross, and heavy gear to carry.

This blog is an endorsement for more hikes like option two.

These hikes may not be as enjoyable in the moment, but their lasting impact is immeasurable.

They make you stronger. They deliver memories you won’t forget. And, once you’ve completed the hike and overcome the challenges and obstacles you encountered along the way, they offer an accomplishment that goes well beyond mere enjoyment.

Triathlons have much more in common with option two than option one.

Instead of taking the easy route, they force you to exhibit discipline, delay gratification, and endure hard work.

More difficult than a leisurely stroll? Certainly. But in the long run, they are infinitely more rewarding.

***

You see, too often in life, I’ve opted for option one. I’ve searched for the shortcut – the easy way.

But I’ve learned, as I’m sure many of you have as well, that avoiding difficult things comes at a cost.

Running might be hard, but never moving makes life harder.

Uncomfortable conversations are hard, but avoiding conflict makes life harder.

Parallel parking is hard, but not learning how makes life harder – especially on a second date when your parking incompetence leaves her feeling severely unimpressed.

You get the point.

When we avoid difficult things, anything mildly challenging in life will start to seem insurmountable. Instead of “I’ll figure it out,” our default response to challenges shifts to “that seems hard, there must be an easier way.”

The proof you can do hard things is one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself.

***

Have you ever heard someone share a story about a profoundly transformative experience that was entirely easy and enjoyable?

I didn’t think so.

We learn and grow not in spite of challenges and hard times, but because of them.

So, back to your original question – why did I decide to do a triathlon? Here’s why:

To challenge myself. To learn what I’m capable of.

To surprise myself.

And most of all, to prove to myself that I can do hard things.