As the new academic year begins, many of us are setting goals, launching initiatives, and preparing to lead change in our institutions. But before we get swept up in the rhythm of meetings and milestones, I want to pause and reflect on something deeper: the value of doing hard things—not just for the achievement, but for what they reveal about ourselves, our relationships, and our communities.
This weekend offered three powerful illustrations of this idea.
- 630 Miles of Connection
After four years, my wife and I completed the South West Coast Path—630 miles of rugged coastline, windswept cliffs, and breathtaking views. It was a long-term project, one we chipped away at in stages, often in rain and mud, sometimes in sunshine. But more than the physical challenge, it was a treasured space for us to be alone together, uninterrupted by work, screens, or schedules. The walk became a rhythm of conversation, silence, laughter, and shared awe. The achievement was sweet—but the real gift was the strengthening of our bond.
- A Solo Journey of Self-Discovery
At the end of our walk, we met a woman from Hungary who had completed the entire path in one go—48 days of solo walking. She shared how the journey had changed her. There were tears, moments of doubt, and physical exhaustion. But she had come to understand herself more deeply than ever before. Her story reminded me that hard things often strip away the noise and leave us face-to-face with who we really are.
- Running for a Cause
A colleague of mine trained for and completed her first half marathon this weekend. Not only did she manage a great time, but she raised a significant amount for charity. Her story wasn’t just about endurance—it was about purpose. She brought people together around a cause, inspired others, and showed what’s possible when we commit to something bigger than ourselves.
https://cardiffhalf25.enthuse.com/pf/ellie-collier
The Deeper Lessons
What these stories have in common is that the richness didn’t lie in the finish line—it lay in the journey. In the reflection. In the relationships. In the community.
In higher education, we often focus on outcomes: student success metrics, strategic goals, research impact. But leadership and change are also deeply personal. They require resilience, self-awareness, and connection. And sometimes, the best way to cultivate those qualities is to step outside our comfort zones and do something hard.
Your Challenge
As this academic year begins, I invite you to set yourself a “hard thing.” It doesn’t have to be physical. It could be learning a new skill, mentoring someone, tackling a long-standing issue in your department, or simply carving out time for reflection. Choose something that stretches you. Something that might change you.
Because in doing hard things, we don’t just achieve—we grow.
Respond