This is a great essay, Jack. We could all use a crap sandwich to help us build good habits. And once we clarify what's in it for us when we do the uncomfortable thing, it will be more motivating to be consistent. I'm curious: Do you have a favorite uncomfy habit?
Thanks so much for reading, Linart! Such a good point that once we understand what’s in it for us, we have a clear reason as to why we need to do it.
That’s a great question. For me, it would be winter runs. I find it mentally daunting to head outside and run in the cold but once you’re out there doing it you feel great and have a huge sense of accomplishment afterwards. Do you have one?
Oh man, I can imagine how tough it is to do winter runs. Quite inspiring to hear you pushing through it. As for me, I thought about it this morning when you asked, and I think it would be planks and writing. Planks need a crap sandwich, but interestingly, for writing I'm slowly discovering what makes it enjoyable for me. Because I don't want to need a crap sandwich for writing, I want it to be the dessert! So I've been exploring about writing what I'm naturally curious about and writing as a way of self-discovery.
Haha planks definitely needs a crap sandwich! And I love that. I find writing can be challenging to start but once I've begun, I get into the zone and I enjoy it. I hope you can find a way to make the dessert. Thinking about it as a way of self-discovery is wonderful. In a way, you're writing your story and understanding your life a little better with each word.
When I trained for my marathon, what helped me fight Resistance was to visualize the night before the worst conditions (cold, pouring rain) and putting my shoes on anyway.
Thanks so much for reading and supporting Miche :)
That is a great strategy. I'm going to steal it for future use. When you're expecting the worst case scenario, the reality will always be more pleasant than you dreamed up in your head.
Love the way you started this essay Jack. You paint a vivid picture that makes me feel like I'm experiencing what you're describing. Sorry to say I just realized I wasn't already subscribed. But I fixed that! Excited to follow you on your writing journey.
Hey Arman, thanks so much for reading and for your kind words. Appreciate you. No worries at all, I hope you find something in my writing that brings you value, joy, or utility!
...i love the simplicity of this concept...if it hurts, if it sucks, if it stinks, that doesn't inherently mean we shouldn't still eat it and/or that it might even be good for us...great work Jack...
Thanks CansaFis, I appreciate that. Usually if it sucks (within reason), it’s probably making you stronger or better in someway. And as your famous quote — “God is a giraffe” — reminds me, doing the hard thing is a service and a sacrifice. To yourself. To the people who love you. To the world.
So much this. We’re so funny, aren’t we? I’m always fine and happy challenging myself once I’m in the gym, but I still fight resistance on some mornings. Even in the parking lot!
Haha I'm exactly the same Susan! You should see the elongated pre-workout routine I go through some mornings... you've never seen someone take so long to brush their teeth and put on their shoes. But once I'm out there doing it, I feel great.
Thanks so much for reading and comment, James. Makes me happy to hear that one resonated. I'm jealous... I wish I had mountains to yonder at on my runs!
This is a great essay, Jack. We could all use a crap sandwich to help us build good habits. And once we clarify what's in it for us when we do the uncomfortable thing, it will be more motivating to be consistent. I'm curious: Do you have a favorite uncomfy habit?
Thanks so much for reading, Linart! Such a good point that once we understand what’s in it for us, we have a clear reason as to why we need to do it.
That’s a great question. For me, it would be winter runs. I find it mentally daunting to head outside and run in the cold but once you’re out there doing it you feel great and have a huge sense of accomplishment afterwards. Do you have one?
Oh man, I can imagine how tough it is to do winter runs. Quite inspiring to hear you pushing through it. As for me, I thought about it this morning when you asked, and I think it would be planks and writing. Planks need a crap sandwich, but interestingly, for writing I'm slowly discovering what makes it enjoyable for me. Because I don't want to need a crap sandwich for writing, I want it to be the dessert! So I've been exploring about writing what I'm naturally curious about and writing as a way of self-discovery.
Haha planks definitely needs a crap sandwich! And I love that. I find writing can be challenging to start but once I've begun, I get into the zone and I enjoy it. I hope you can find a way to make the dessert. Thinking about it as a way of self-discovery is wonderful. In a way, you're writing your story and understanding your life a little better with each word.
Such beautiful writing Jack
When I trained for my marathon, what helped me fight Resistance was to visualize the night before the worst conditions (cold, pouring rain) and putting my shoes on anyway.
Thanks so much for reading and supporting Miche :)
That is a great strategy. I'm going to steal it for future use. When you're expecting the worst case scenario, the reality will always be more pleasant than you dreamed up in your head.
Love the way you started this essay Jack. You paint a vivid picture that makes me feel like I'm experiencing what you're describing. Sorry to say I just realized I wasn't already subscribed. But I fixed that! Excited to follow you on your writing journey.
Hey Arman, thanks so much for reading and for your kind words. Appreciate you. No worries at all, I hope you find something in my writing that brings you value, joy, or utility!
...i love the simplicity of this concept...if it hurts, if it sucks, if it stinks, that doesn't inherently mean we shouldn't still eat it and/or that it might even be good for us...great work Jack...
Thanks CansaFis, I appreciate that. Usually if it sucks (within reason), it’s probably making you stronger or better in someway. And as your famous quote — “God is a giraffe” — reminds me, doing the hard thing is a service and a sacrifice. To yourself. To the people who love you. To the world.
So much this. We’re so funny, aren’t we? I’m always fine and happy challenging myself once I’m in the gym, but I still fight resistance on some mornings. Even in the parking lot!
Haha I'm exactly the same Susan! You should see the elongated pre-workout routine I go through some mornings... you've never seen someone take so long to brush their teeth and put on their shoes. But once I'm out there doing it, I feel great.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting :)
“My days are woven with discomfort. Tasks that are good for me but are intimidating to start.” The secret to a wonderful life right here!
I agree :) The interval run I had to do today was both uncomfortable and intimidating... but it's done and I feel damn good about it.
Thanks so much for reading and supporting, Rick. I appreciate you!
Love this Jack. “Five minutes into my workout I forget why I had such a hard time starting.”
I’m going for a run now!
Thanks so much for reading and comment, James. Makes me happy to hear that one resonated. I'm jealous... I wish I had mountains to yonder at on my runs!