how running is rebuilding my self-trust
Discipline is Self-Love
Over the past few months, I’ve fallen back in love with running — and I mean really fallen. Long runs before work, tracking progress, getting outside even when I didn’t want to.
And on Sunday, we (the team behind the brand) completed our very first half marathon. While crossing that finish line was incredible, what really changed me was everything that happened in the process.
There’s a saying I keep coming back to:
Discipline is the highest form of self-love.
And now I understand it. When you set yourself a challenge — not one life throws at you, but one you choose — and you show up for it again and again, something inside you shifts.
(from left to right) Agascha, Jen, and Minh
Discipline Builds Self-Trust
Running taught me that discipline is really just keeping promises to yourself. You say you're going to get up and train? You do it. You plan to push through when it gets uncomfortable? You do it. You commit to showing up even when it’s raining, cold, or your legs are sore? You still show up.
And in doing so, your brain starts to believe you. You stop being someone who gives up halfway and start becoming someone who follows through. That builds self-trust. And over time, it builds self-esteem too.
There’s actual science behind this. Studies have found that self-discipline is strongly linked to greater resilience, motivation, and confidence. Why? Because every time you act in alignment with your goals, you're proving to yourself that you’re capable. And that changes how you see yourself.
It’s Bigger Than Just Running
The best part? The discipline I’ve built with running has started spilling over into other parts of my life.
I’m showing up more consistently with my habits — even the ones that don’t feel “fun” in the moment. I’m becoming more grounded, more energised, more myself. The kind of person I want to be.
And it’s not just about the solo journey either. Running with friends like Minh and Jen, and having my loved ones cheer me on at the race, reminded me how much community plays a role in growth. We don’t just grow alone — we grow with people.
The Journey is the Goal
Side quest of the week
Running has reminded me that goals aren’t just about results. They’re about becoming. Every run, every hard moment, every tiny win has shaped me. And now I want to ask you:
When was the last time you truly challenged yourself?
Not when life challenged you, but when you set yourself a goal, on purpose, and went after it?
It doesn’t have to be a half marathon. It could be journaling for 30 days, building a habit, learning something new, or saying “yes” to something that scares you. Whatever it is — start small, but start.
Because when you do, you start to trust yourself again. And that, in the end, is life-changing.
With love,
Agascha
Subscribe to The AMII Safe-Space™ so you never miss an issue. Photos by Weda Grabinski and Agascha Grabinski