Remember That Somethin' Always Beats Nuttin'

I exercise every day. I'm not an exercise guy. I hate it, and the only reason I do it is for my health--that, and because a doctor told me it would make me feel better overall. I have 10 exercises to do every day. At first, I'd go through them to the point of misery, but I'd get them done. For a while, it was enough to motivate me that I knew it was vital if I wanted to stay healthy.

But self-discipline runs out.

Wop bah-buh lu bop.

Eventually, I found a better way. I always do at least a little. When I get up, most days I knock out two of them--the two easiest ones--then pad down to my office and work a while. Most days I take a break in the afternoon and knock out the rest. Other days I do a few throughout the day. But some days those two are all I get done.

And that's good enough for me. I did something. And that's pretty good, cos it wasn't too long ago I wasn't doing anything at all. Now, most days, I do at least a little. That is real progress that leads to real change.

Whatever it is you're after, whether it's changing dopamine-driven busy-ness, pursuing a goal that is impossible for anyone to reach quickly, or changing lifelong habits, any effort is a victory. Be proud of yourself for that.

You're human. Give yourself a break. You moved the needle. Nice.