Why Doing Hard Things is Good for You (Even if You Don’t Work Out)

Ever felt like quitting something just because it was hard?

Maybe it was taking the stairs instead of the elevator, trying to cook a healthy meal instead of ordering takeout, or even just getting out of bed on a rough day. Hard things don’t have to be extreme to feel overwhelming.

I was reminded of this during a recent 72-hour endurance race. It was my second year doing it, so I knew I could finish. But that actually made it harder. The first time, I was just proving to myself I could do it. This time, I found myself asking, Why am I choosing to do this again?

And that’s exactly what I hear from people trying to build healthier habits.

• “I want to be more active, but every time I try, I get discouraged.”
• “I know eating better is important, but it’s so much easier to grab fast food.”
• “I’d love to have more energy, but I don’t even know where to start.”

The truth? Hard things don’t get easier overnight. But learning to push through them makes you better.

How to Stop Feeling Stuck

One mistake people make when trying to improve their health is focusing on the big picture too much. If you’re looking at a giant goal—like losing weight, getting in shape, or changing your diet—of course it can feel impossible.

That’s why I don’t focus on finishing a 300-mile race. I focus on getting to the next tree, the next bridge, the next checkpoint.

You can do the same thing in everyday life:

• Instead of “I need to exercise,” start with “I’ll take a 5-minute walk today.”
• Instead of “I have to eat healthy all the time,” try “I’ll add a vegetable to this meal.”
• Instead of “I need more energy,” focus on “I’ll drink one extra glass of water today.”

Small goals make big goals achievable.

You’re Not Competing With Anyone Else

Another challenge people face is comparison. It’s easy to look at someone who’s already active and think, I could never do that.

I get it. In my race, we finished in the middle of the pack. The teams ahead of us were professionals—people who do this all the time. We weren’t competing with them. We were competing with ourselves from last year.

That’s the mindset shift that changes everything. You’re not trying to be the fittest person in the world. You’re just trying to be a little stronger, a little healthier, and a little more confident than yesterday.

The Takeaway: Hard Things Make Life Easier

Whatever “hard” looks like for you—whether it’s moving more, eating better, or just making time for yourself—the key is to start small and focus on your own progress.

And next time you find yourself thinking, Why am I doing this?—remember: That’s the whole point.

If you’re ready to take that first step toward feeling better, moving more, and building a healthier life, we’re here to help: All you have to do it ask!