This morning I woke up to a message from B, one of the coaching clients. She’d done a strength workout last night despite having zero motivation.
For anyone trying to build an exercise habit, that is a sign of progress worthy of a Van Halen knuckle pump. I’ll go as far as saying that it overrides any superficial or feeling-based progress.
Because you’re no longer only showing up because of the impending future results. You’re showing up because exercise is becoming a part of what you do and who you are.
That’s when you show up and do the work regardless of whether you’re motivated.
And once you get to this point, you’ve moved past the most challenging part of building a new habit. Because from now on, showing up is often easier than stopping.
The only way to get to this point is to show up enough times, despite the resistance. And one day, it’ll start to feel weird not to show up.
Well done for showing up, B!
-J