Every now and then, when I get to share my journey of running everyday with people, I often get asked, how did you manage to run for 442 days in a row? How do you manage to stay consistent for so many days?
To that, I always try to point the multiple factors involved, but for some reason people just want the best, the biggest reason, the fastest way.
And whenever pressed in that manner, I tend to find there is one that really plays a big role, and that is to: JUST SHOW UP.
When I do, it's almost like 50% is already done just by the fact of being there, ready to go; and everything seems to get taken care of by itself.
It's a surreal experience. It almost feels like I don't really have to do anything. My body knows what to do and it takes me places.
But how do I show up? I get dressed, I get my headphones, I get my keys, I start my music and out the door.
I'm walking to the beach, listening to music, the weather doesn't matter, nothing is on my mind, I start warming up and getting ready, I'm start my time tracking app and there I go -I'm running one more day.
And then magic happens, whatever minutes later I find myself on the other side -sweaty, happy and... I'm done.
But none of this would be would be possible if I would not show up.
And although showing up supposed to be easy, It's a lot more complicated especially when I start to think about things.
"Look, it's raining. Should I make a coffee first?" "I have a client in the morning. Maybe I should run a bit later after the session."
Showing up is very easy when you don't think too much, but the moment you start to negotiate with yourself -everything goes.
And that's because going through the motions like getting dressed, getting your keys and getting out, takes a lot more time than just coming up with a reason why you should do it later.
It literally takes a split second for you to invent the perfect reason why you should not do it now. And we are reason.making.machines!
So one of my mantras in the morning is : don't think, just do it. The moment I notice myself going down that route , I say nope, stop thinking, let's do it now. And then, I show up.
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I plan to write an article every day this year so thank you for your support. Alin.