As I write this, I am preparing for a yearly 5K run that I do. It will be about 90 degrees at race time and I will be running on blacktop. It sounds insane and it probably is. Normally, this race is not this hot. Why on earth would I do such a thing? It is a great way to test where my fitness level is compared to the year prior. Am I getting better? Am I falling off? Running for me is quite difficult. Not only is my frame not really designed for it, but my asthma has me stopping to catch my breath more often than not. It is frustrating. Again, the question comes up, “Neil, why do you do it then?”

The quote from Seneca above captures it perfectly. When we attempt things that we view as difficult, even if we do not succeed at the level we had hoped, it gives us a sense of pride and accomplishment that those who never attempt will never know. It is a tricky thing to convey to someone who has never put themselves in a difficult situation. Pushing yourself outside what is comfortable not only gives you a sense of pride, but does something even more important. It prepares you for when you unexpectedly face something difficult. If we face difficult things voluntarily, when life throws us difficult times we do not expect, we will be far better prepared. It strengthens far more than muscle and cardio. It strengthens our reslove.

This is why it is important to do the difficult things. Give yourself some inner strength. Prepare yourself for life’s unexpected trials. What do you do that helps you develop inner strength?