You know those days when you wake up feeling like you could conquer the world?
It’s 8 AM and you’ve already worked out, fed yourself a balanced breakfast, paid the bills, and got the kids to school complete with brushed hair and bonus! clean clothes.
But then your car won’t start (read: momentum waining).
You’re late to work, behind on your tasks, and as you scarf down some pizza by-the-slice for lunch, you are wondering if you’re even a capable human being.
Why is it so hard to hold onto that rockstar, I’m-going-to-accomplish-all-my-goals feeling?
Here’s a reminder for you: the feeling doesn’t stick around for anyone.
Eating well & staying active is a bit like a long-term relationship. There’s always that initial high — the excitement, energy, and enthusiasm for something new.
In fact, getting started is usually the easiest part.
But the highs are always fleeting. Reality always set in. Sometimes life kicks you in the teeth. But as most people in long-term relationships will tell you, the real reward comes when you push through and you reach that committed, settled-in feeling.
This is where willpower is built.
Digging in, doing the work, and suddenly there you are in the middle of something great.
The very best part: seeing that greatness in yourself beats those initial highs out of the water, TKO, they don’t stand a chance.
For years, forging my own path toward better health and personal accountability for caring for my body has mirrored this exactly. I’d set out with a lot of momentum and get uber frustrated when life knocked me off course and I seemingly “lost” my willpower.
So how did I find it?
I did the work. (This is the not-so-sexy answer that you may or may not have been looking for.)
“What’s the work,” you say? It looks different for everyone. But I can promise you it’s a lot simpler and more doable than your negative self-talk is making it out to be. Your willpower is not lost. It’s right there waiting for you.
So stop right now. Stop doubting you’ve got it in you. Cause you do.
Do your work. Pick those things you know you need to do. And do them today. And tomorrow. And the next day.
