Our bodies are conditioned through millions of years of evolution to avoid pain and discomfort. Hormones, chemical rewards, and more all conspire against us. Luckily, we’re able to use the enormous power of our minds to imagine an alternate future, and calculate the rewards of the future against the pain of today. Everyone knows, instinctively, how to make these kinds of decision. Our only problem is when we decide to procrastinate now, hoping that our future selves will take care of it all, thus saving our current self from the discomfort of today. This is an illusion, though, future you and current you are in fact the same beautiful person! Any work you do in pursuit of your goals will have to be done, at some point, by you.
When you workout or eat clean there are choices that need to be made. The ultimate choice is being okay with being uncomfortable. Not giving into a craving can be uncomfortable. Working out can be uncomfortable, even painful. If we can embrace this in the short term, we can be our best selves in the long run. This is really important, embrace being uncomfortable! In fact, I think it’s the KEY! Pain is temporary, but regrets are forever. Those among us who perform the best are very good at getting some enjoyment out of their pain. Anyone who has lifted weights for any amount of time can attest to the “burn” feeling great because it is a reminder of what you accomplished! A little trick I use if I don’t feel like working out, is to imagine myself after the workout. I imagine that feeling of accomplishment. It pushes me to go. Your mind and body will eventually reward you for working hard, and the discomfort of yesterday will turn towards the reward of today. Keep working hard and building good habits, and you’ll get there too.
Hard work is like compound interest. Investing hard in your youth allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labor many fold over as you move along your journey in life. Learn to appreciate the discomfort of today by realizing the rewards of tomorrow!
