Ep. 69 - Doing Hard Things Is the Cheat Code to Confidence

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.TAKEAWAYSDoing hard things builds confidence that carries into business and lifeComparison slows progress; consistency accelerates itFitness discipline strengthens emotional control and decision-makingSmall daily habits create long-term momentumConfidence grows from keeping promises to yourselfMotivation fades — systems and discipline remainPhysical resilience builds mental resilienceLeadership improves when you lead by exampleComfort is the enemy of growthProgress compounds when you stay consistentTIMESTAMPS00:00 Doing Hard Things Becomes Addictive00:58 Growing Yourself to Grow Your Business01:55 Setting the Stage for a Big Year03:18 Fitness Background & Early Sports04:59 Transition to the Marine Corps06:18 Learning to Run Under Pressure07:40 Why Running Builds Mental Strength09:03 Keeping Promises to Yourself10:11 Building Next Level 36012:10 Training Mental Toughness13:08 Pikes Peak & Embracing Discomfort14:23 Finishing Without a Medal15:31 Doing Hard Things Removes Panic17:40 How to Start Without Burning Out18:56 Small Daily Goals Create Momentum21:11 Be Where Your Feet Are22:21 Starting the Day with Small Wins23:02 Fitness Rapid-Fire27:06 Why Most People Set Fitness Goals28:54 Fitness Spillover Into Business29:14 Confidence Changes Performance31:04 Leading by Example32:12 Helping Others Become Better33:14 Training Athletes vs Everyday People35:04 Setting a Date Creates Accountability36:27 Embracing the Pain of Earning It38:09 Why Hard Things Feel Different40:05 Mental Strategy in Endurance Events41:08 Confidence Under PressureFeel the dynamic energy of the Lewis Brothers as they deliver real stories and lessons that keep local businesses on their toes, and share how experiences in the community inspire them to keep on driving.Check out all our great episodes at CrossroadConversationsPodcast.com!