When it feels like you’re dragging your feet, it’s time to check in with yourself.
Sometimes the path of self-discipline will feel that way.
Sometimes life, in general, will feel that way.
At that moment, stay vigilant because that resent and feeling of negativity towards your responsibilities is when the internal enemies try coming in.
During those moments, you’ll be tempted to stop everything and engage in coping behaviors. Kill that urge before it takes a hold by doing a check-in with yourself.
Check-in with yourself and see what’s happening within.
You may need some rest, recovery, and silence.
If that’s the case then handle your responsibilities but that’s it. Do the bare minimum if need be and then take care of yourself. Go to sleep early that night, get a good healthy meal in, or engage in activities that rejuvenate you such as getting a massage.
Don’t break any commitments to others or even yourself but optimize for getting back into a state where you’re strong, happy, and rested.
Today, I set a big schedule with a bunch of tasks. Half-way through I got hit with some urgencies and I realized that getting everything done would be hectic. I was also starting to get a bit “in my head” by over-analyzing the situation.
I chose to simplify my tasks and engage in something that would make me relax so I cut my gym time in half by only doing half my workout and then I went home. Now I have a few errands to finish but after that, I’ll be eating a good meal and prioritizing sleep.
If I wanted to I could have done a lot more today but I know that it would stress me out. Stress isn’t good although sometimes necessary so I’m going to take care of myself. The point is that I did all the things I had to do and took care of basic responsibilities so now I get to relax.
It’s OK to do that sometimes. The good thing about this is that at least you don’t fall completely off the path. Some people get overwhelmed and then proceed to completely retreat into self-destructive and stupid habits.
Learn to listen to listen to your body and then take decisive action.
Best,
Maximillian Giamarco
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