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# Ep 69 - Doing Hard Things Is the Cheat Code to Confidence
- URL: https://www.crossroadconversationspodcast.com/ep-69-doing-hard-things-is-the-cheat-code-to-confidence/
- Published: 2026-01-08T16:00:51.000Z
- Updated: 2026-01-08T16:00:55.000Z
- Author: Lewis Automotive

Discipline, doing hard things, fitness, confidence, and personal growth drive Episode 69 of Crossroad Conversations. In this episode, the Lewis Brothers are joined by Jay Jones, a Marine Corps officer, endurance athlete, and performance coach, to break down why doing hard things on purpose changes how you show up in every area of life.  
  
The conversation explores how physical discipline builds mental resilience, why confidence starts with keeping promises to yourself, and how fitness habits spill directly into business performance, leadership, and family life. Jay shares his journey from collegiate football to the Marine Corps, endurance running, and coaching athletes of all levels — from high performers to everyday people who just want to feel better and live longer.  
  
They discuss why comparison kills progress, how starting small creates momentum, and why consistency matters more than motivation. From running in freezing temperatures to finishing races without medals, the episode reinforces a core belief: confidence is built by proving to yourself that you can do hard things, even when no one is watching.  
  
The episode closes by connecting physical fitness to business success — explaining how confidence, discipline, and self-accountability directly impact leadership, decision-making, and the ability to inspire others by example.  
  
KEYWORDS  
discipline, doing hard things, fitness, confidence, leadership, personal growth, accountability, endurance training, mindset, consistency, business performance  
  
TAKEAWAYS  
Doing hard things builds confidence that carries into business and life  
Comparison slows progress; consistency accelerates it  
Fitness discipline strengthens emotional control and decision-making  
Small daily habits create long-term momentum  
Confidence grows from keeping promises to yourself  
Motivation fades — systems and discipline remain  
Physical resilience builds mental resilience  
Leadership improves when you lead by example  
Comfort is the enemy of growth  
Progress compounds when you stay consistent  
  
TIMESTAMPS  
00:00 Doing Hard Things Becomes Addictive  
00:58 Growing Yourself to Grow Your Business  
01:55 Setting the Stage for a Big Year  
03:18 Fitness Background & Early Sports  
04:59 Transition to the Marine Corps  
06:18 Learning to Run Under Pressure  
07:40 Why Running Builds Mental Strength  
09:03 Keeping Promises to Yourself  
10:11 Building Next Level 360  
12:10 Training Mental Toughness  
13:08 Pikes Peak & Embracing Discomfort  
14:23 Finishing Without a Medal  
15:31 Doing Hard Things Removes Panic  
17:40 How to Start Without Burning Out  
18:56 Small Daily Goals Create Momentum  
21:11 Be Where Your Feet Are  
22:21 Starting the Day with Small Wins  
23:02 Fitness Rapid-Fire  
27:06 Why Most People Set Fitness Goals  
28:54 Fitness Spillover Into Business  
29:14 Confidence Changes Performance  
31:04 Leading by Example  
32:12 Helping Others Become Better  
33:14 Training Athletes vs Everyday People  
35:04 Setting a Date Creates Accountability  
36:27 Embracing the Pain of Earning It  
38:09 Why Hard Things Feel Different  
40:05 Mental Strategy in Endurance Events  
41:08 Confidence Under Pressure