Not a master's degree or self-help books: Bengaluru founder shares how a 42.2 km run boosted his confidence

To build confidence, many prefer self-help books or motivational videos. But sometimes, it might be all about stepping out of your comfort zone and accomplishing something demanding from you. It tests you and can change how you see yourself. Something similar happened with Bengaluru founder Keerti Siddeshwar, who is also a marathon runner. He shared how running has transformed his life. Refelcting on his journey, he shared why running 42.2 km helped him overcome self-doubt and boosted his confidence.

Marathon changed his confidence

In a post on X, Siddeshwar revealed that running a marathon had made him considerably more confident than earning a master’s degree or reading self-help books. His advice for people who struggle with self-doubt or confidence was to consider taking on a challenge that would push their limits. He recalled how three years earlier, he was in a similar position with self-doubt and low-confidence. He explained that training for marathon and the experience of it, gave him a different understanding of his limits and capabilities.

His transformation was ultimately not just crossing the finish line of marathon, but understanding himself and discovering what all he can accomplish with more efforts.

How completing 42.2 km can change you

The Bengaluru-based founder highlighted the months of preparation, physical discomfort and determination involved in running a marathon. He explained that completing the 42.2-kilometre distance can make people recognise that they are capable of achieving things they once believed were beyond their reach. As per him, its the realisation that shapes their self-image. Instead of thinking of themselves as someone who cannot handle difficult situations, one starts to think of solutions, tolerate discomfort and perservere when things get difficult.

For Siddeshwar, this shift in perspective was one of the most valuable outcomes of marathon running.

Why self-confidence goes beyond books and motivational videos

Siddeshwar, in his post, questioned whether self-help content is enough to boost confidence. He suggested that putting the lessons into practice through real-world challenges will creat more personal sense of achievement. He explained that the confidence gained from running a marathon does not remain confined to the road. The lessons learned also get carried into other aspects of life and influencing how one approaches a difficult decision, unfamiliar situatoons and other challenges.

His word of advice? He recommends everyone to stop relying on self-help content and instead pursue an experience that will help build genuine belief. As Siddeshwar put it, people struggling with confidence should “go do something that makes you believe in yourself”. For him, it was running a marathon.