I signed up for the T100 Triathlon to earn bragging rights, but learnt life lessons

There was no 5am alarm or perfect plan to follow. But somewhere in the sweat and determination was a crash course in resilience and self-worth.

- Kang Wan Chern

When I first signed up for the Singapore T100 Triathlon two years ago, it wasn't out of a love for endurance sports. It was curiosity to see what I was physically capable of — and for the bragging rights. One more box to tick, another post for the 'gram.

But what I got was far more than a medal. Training for and finishing the 100km race involving a 2km swim, 80km cycle and 18km run in Singapore's sweltering heat — taught me life lessons I didn't know I needed.

What began as an ego trip turned into invaluable insight and personal growth.

When I finally crossed the finish line, I limped away with a deeper understanding not just of what I could endure physically, but also of how I could respond to exhaustion or when my mind tells me to quit.

That clarity and self-awareness became the foundation of a quiet, grounded confidence — one that began to show up in other parts of my life, including work. For example, I stopped needing external validation to feel that I'd done my job well. If I delivered work that met my own standards, that was enough — no LinkedIn fanfare required.

In Singapore, we often equate achievement with self-worth. We chase qualifications or climb ladders because they look good on paper — or social media — but not always because they resonate with our values or bring meaning. That gap between appearance and purpose can leave us feeling like our efforts are never quite enough.

This disconnect may help explain our troubling mental health trends.

A 2024 study by Milieu Insight and Intellect involving 3,000 employees from Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines found that workers from Singapore experienced higher levels of workplace burnout, with many younger ones driven to accomplish things for fear of falling behind.

If this is you, why not take a step back and embark on a personal challenge? Not for the sake of status or recognition, but for your own personal growth.