One thing I’ve been reflecting on lately is the connection between endurance sport and self-discipline.
In positive psychology, they often refer to this trait as grit—the ability to keep pushing on despite setbacks. In personality psychology, it’s conscientiousness—the tendency to show up, follow through, and stay consistent.
And when you think about it, the biggest hurdle between where we are now and where we want to be is almost always ourselves.
It’s rarely about talent or opportunity. It’s usually about follow-through. About consistency. About showing up each day, doing the work, and sticking with it even when it’s hard.
Some people are naturally better at this than others. High conscientiousness is strongly linked to better life outcomes—and the good news is, there are ways to develop it.
One way, I think, is through sport.
From what I see, people who participate in endurance sports—especially outdoor ones like running and cycling—tend to build up that muscle of consistency. They learn to show up regardless of the weather, regardless of how they feel, because that’s the only way to make progress. You can’t fake endurance; you can only earn it, one session at a time.
I’m curious—what’s your experience?
Do you practice any endurance sports? Have you found they help you achieve other goals in life?
Do you see yourself as someone who’s naturally conscientious, or is it something you’ve had to work at?