Yesterday. 4pm. I had barely moved all day. Buried in work, stuck in front of my computer, the hours flew by and by the time I looked up, the sun was already starting to fall low on the horizon.
As the sun began to set, I struggled with a decision. Should I go for a run? Maybe ride the bike for a bit? Do some weights? Do I have time? Can I put my work down? Will these emails get answered? Should I just put off the workout to tomorrow?
I literally stood up, told my wife that I was going to go for a run, then sat back down. I was tired. I was lazy. My mind was drained from a full day of work.
But then I stood back up, quickly threw on some clothes, put on my shoes, and ran out the door. I took a step, then another, and before I knew it, I was off.
An hour later, I had ran three miles, spent 15 minutes on the bike, and got some crunches and weights in. I showered. Ate dinner. Relaxed. And felt exponentially better about myself.
Decisions, at least the one’s that matter, that have impact, and that make a difference, are never easy.
This simple, maybe not-so-interesting story illustrates one critical question you ask and will continue to be forced to face time and time again:
Is the “after” effect worth the “before” effort?
If the answer to the question is no – don’t do it. Focus on something else. Don’t half ass it.
If the answer is yes – do it. Do it again and again. Go all in. Hold nothing back.
Every time you’re faced with that feeling of dread, laziness, or doubt, remind yourself that if the “after” matters, the “before” is always, always worth it.