Every morning, my routine unfolds in a well-practiced sequence: Meditation, Exercise, Read. It’s a pattern that sets my day on a positive trajectory, but it’s not without its quirks and challenges.
The meditation part is a breeze. It’s the first thing I do upon waking up, a peaceful moment that requires no extra motivation.
Then comes the exercise segment, a structured regimen that intensifies from Monday through Thursday. On Monday, it’s a single cycle of 4-6 exercises. Tuesday sees two cycles, Wednesday brings three, and by Thursday, I’m tackling four cycles. (The weekend setup differs slightly, but that’s another story.) Mondays and Tuesdays feel invigorating – a fresh start. Wednesdays present a moderate hurdle. But Thursdays, ah, Thursdays are the real test.
Despite my consistent morning exercise habit since 2017, Thursdays still ruffle the waters of my mind. Whispers of doubt emerge, suggesting I cut corners, compromise, or maybe skip the session altogether. That last option is a definite no-go. The exercise routine itself is not something extraordinary; it’s a tool. A tool designed to awaken my body, elevate energy levels, and trigger neurotransmitters for improved mood and focus.
The challenge lies in realizing that, even if the exercise isn’t immediately enjoyable – especially in the beginning – its true value emerges post-workout. It’s the post-exercise sensation that counts the most.
As I write this, it’s Thursday, and that familiar inner voice is once again trying to renegotiate the terms. It nudges me towards settling for fewer rounds – “How about just two cycles?” it suggests. Strangely, starting the second round proves pivotal. Completing it clears the mental fog, and suddenly, completing all four cycles seems achievable.
In these moments, I summon a quote borrowed from Jesse Itzler: “I didn’t come this far to only come this far.” It reminds me that I’ve come a long way and encourages me to push beyond self-imposed boundaries.
However, a tweak to the usual routine came to mind: reversing the cycle order. Instead of a gradual decrease in exercises within each cycle, I decided to switch it up. On this Thursday, I commenced with four exercises (two cycles), saving the more challenging six-exercise cycles for the latter part. Ordinarily, I’d go all-out on Monday and Tuesday, taper down on Wednesday, and switch gears again on Thursday. But today, with this adjustment, I was in for a surprise – a pleasant one.
This alteration had an unexpected impact. The entire workout felt shorter. I effortlessly bypassed the internal voice coaxing me to ease off and seamlessly eased into the exercise flow. Those final two rounds were particularly potent, or at least they felt that way.
Reflecting on this experience, I gleaned two invaluable lessons:
- When faced with a task that seems daunting, particularly if it feels overwhelming, the most effective strategy is to take the plunge and begin. Action begets momentum.
- Start small and build from there. Commencing with a scaled-down version often propels you into a more productive state.
Remember, the path to growth and accomplishment often takes us through challenges and adjustments. Embrace them, for they are the stepping stones to your better self.
You’re the architect of your journey – keep building your awesomeness!
Jay Bialecki – You are awesome!