I've been thinking a lot lately about how we respond to life's challenges. When sadness creeps in, when disappointment strikes, or when relationships crumble around us - what's your go-to response?
For me, it's become crystal clear: no matter what I'm feeling, there's one solution that never fails.
The Universal Answer
What you’ll discover is that there's a simple (though not always easy) solution that works regardless of your emotional state: physical movement.
Beyond the Emotional Roadblocks
Don’t let emotions dictate your actions. The times when you least feel like working out are precisely when you need it most.
People Will Always Get Under Your Skin
One truth I've embraced is that "people are always going to get under your skin." Whether it's a relationship ending, a colleague's criticism, or a friend's betrayal - someone will always find a way to throw you off balance.
The question isn't whether people will upset you; it's what you'll do when they inevitably do.
I've decided not to let anyone get in my way - "literally and figuratively" - from achieving my fitness goals. This mindset has become a metaphor for how I approach every aspect of life.
The Perfect Time Myth
"The timing will never be right."
I've abandoned the myth of perfect conditions. There will always be reasons not to start: bad weather, busy schedules, emotional turmoil. But waiting for ideal circumstances means waiting forever.
Instead, I embrace each day as "a new day," a fresh opportunity to grow stronger, both physically and mentally.
My Universal Prescription
So here's my advice, the mantra I live by now:
"You feel sad? Go work out. You feel happy? Go work out. You feel gassy? Go work out. You feel motivated? Go work out."
It seems simplistic, even comical. But there's profound wisdom in this approach. By decoupling my actions from my feelings, I've gained a consistency that feelings could never provide.
The Champion Mindset
"Play like a champion and do the work anyway."
This mentality has transformed my approach to everything. When things aren't going my way, I've learned it's "better to do something than to not do anything."
The alternative - staying home, wallowing in emotions, avoiding challenges - keeps you exactly where you are. And that's not where growth happens.
The Bottom Line
The moral of my story is elegantly simple: "It doesn't matter what you feel. Go work out."
This isn't just about fitness - it's about building the mental toughness to act despite your feelings, not because of them. It's about recognizing that emotions make terrible decision-makers but excellent teachers.
So whatever you're feeling today - whether you're riding high or trudging through the valley - lace up those shoes, pick up those weights, and move forward. Your future self will thank you, regardless of how your present self feels about it.
Share this post