Some days, you just don’t want to go to the gym.
Or eat green leafy vegetables.
Or go for a walk.
Or drink only water.
That’s not to say all these things are always the dreadful things (exercise can be really fun, we promise!) 🙂 but there’s a reason our members cite“accountability” as the #1 reason they choose to come to us.
Knowing they have a lot going on in their daily life, our coaches are thrilled to help our members get something so important (movement! strength! power! health! vitality!) done.
But what if you’re on your own and you know you “should” get a workout in or eat some veggies with dinner…
…but all you want to do is keep surfing the internet instead of getting a workout in?
…sip some wine after work instead of going for a walk?
…or munch on tortilla chips instead of finishing the roasted broccoli on your plate?
We’ve all been there.
One lesson I’m learning myself (and it’s a daily muscle to strengthen) is something Mike and I have been trying to instill in our two little boys:
..the importance of “doing the hard thing first” so you can fully enjoy whatever it is you really want to do.
–> “Cruz, pick up your Legos and then you can watch a show.”
–> “Boys, finish your grow food and then you can have more pizza.”
–> “Hunter, get your pajamas on first, then you can read with mom.”
–> “Jess, finish cleaning the kitchen before you Netflix and chill.” (oh, that one’s for me) ;))
These “hard things” may not be what you struggle with …but distractions from the hard things affect all aspects of our life, including our health and fitness.
During these times, we need to flex our muscle of discipline, even if it means acting out of duty versus desire.
The cool thing is that after we accomplish our task, awesomeness ensues.
I dare you to end an exercise session or eat a plate of veggies or drink a big glass of water or go for a walk and feel lousy about it!
In the words of 100 year-old Ida Keeling (National Track and Field Champion in the 60m dash in the 95-99 category) –>
“Get up and do things, even if you don’t feel like it. Sometimes you don’t feel like doing this, that or the other. Do the thing that you don’t like to do first and get rid of it.”
So, what’s the “hard thing” you need to check off your list to feel good about your day?
For me, I love getting my workout in so I can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee afterwards.
It’s simple, but it’s motivating.
Do the hard thing first. You won’t regret it!
Jess + Team Valeo