On the weekend I ran a 10km race, and to be honest, I didn’t want to. I wasn’t feeling prepared, my running buddy pulled out with an injury, and I nearly did too. But I showed up anyway. And in a lovely twist, my 14-year-old son decided to join me at the last minute.

As we ran, I was reminded of something I’ve learned many times, both in life and in work: a rewarding life isn’t built in comfort, it’s built through challenge.

There’s something powerful about doing hard things, especially when you don’t feel ready. That might be running a race, starting a new venture, learning a new skill, or tackling a big project at work. Whenever we choose to step into something that stretches us, we’re strengthening more than our skills or stamina, we’re strengthening our sense of self.

Each time you do something hard, your brain rewards you with that small burst of dopamine—the “I did it” feeling. It reinforces your belief that you can handle discomfort, follow through on your intentions, and grow through challenge. Over time, that’s what builds resilience, confidence and self-trust—the foundations of wellbeing.

And yes, the truth is, it’s never easy. As Ted Lasso says, “You know, doing something new is like riding a horse. If it’s easy, you’re probably doing it wrong”. Change should feel awkward and hard at first, because that’s what means you’re actually learning. You might feel underprepared. You might doubt yourself. You might want to quit. But when you keep going, something shifts. You realise you’re more capable than you thought.

What I learned (again) at the weekend about showing up and doing hard things:

• You’re rarely as prepared as you’d like to be. Do it anyway.

• You can’t always predict the outcome, but the act of trying is where the growth happens.

• Showing up is what counts. Perfection isn’t the goal, progress is.

The best parts about tackling something hard?

• The encouragement along the way (the marshals at the run were brilliant!)

• Sharing the experience with others (doing the run with my son, who somehow breezed through 10km with zero training, was so special)

• That quiet sense of pride and gratitude that comes from seeing something through.

At Daily Habit, we talk a lot about consistent, sustainable effort, because that’s where transformation happens. Not just in the gym or on the running track, but in work, learning, relationships and life.

Each time you choose to learn something new or take the slightly harder path, the one that challenges or stretches you, you’re building the mental and emotional fitness that helps you thrive, no matter what comes next.

Doing hard things builds belief.
And that’s a habit worth keeping.