What part of the brain is for friction and doing hard things?

The anterior mid-cingulate cortex (AMCC) is strongly involved in meeting friction and leaning into difficult challenges—it is associated with tenacity and willpower. 1

• Challenging activities: Safe tasks you resist doing can activate and help grow this region; activities that feel easy or enjoyable may not provide the same challenge. 2
• Examples: Physical endeavors, learning a language, and having a difficult conversation can all engage it when they involve real resistance or effort. 3