How to Workout Consistently — Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Over 10 years ago, when I first started my daily “fitness first” ritual, I created a rule for myself:

If I could stand up and walk, I could do some form of movement.

The Power of Rules

That rule has helped me get out the door and fit in some type of workout or movement practice ever since. Whether it’s a CrossFit workout, a yoga practice, a swim, or a simple walk, I go through the motions to get started.

The rule is effective because it removes the element of motivation:

I don’t engage in a workout when I “feel like it.” I do it every day after I wake up because that’s what I do. It’s part of the structure of my day, not something I fit in when time and energy align.

“Feelings” are Unreliable

Critics often say that rules are too strict; that we should “listen to our bodies.”

The problem with that approach is that “feelings” aren’t in the body; they are a story in the mind.

And feeling lie.

The truth is, I very rarely “feel like” working out when I wake up in the morning. Sometimes I don’t even “feel like it” by the time I get to the gym.

Usually, I must start doing the activity before I “feel like it.”

That’s why I have rules and rituals: they help me stick to the plan even when I “don’t feel like it.”

Be Flexible With Rules

Some people resist rules because rules can feel to strict or rigid. That’s not the case with my rules. After all, rules are made to be broken — in the right way.

Within the structure of the rules that help me execute consistently is space for variety. The rules tell me I need to move my body. They don’t dictate the intensity or duration.

Some days are more intense and other days are light. Some days I workout longer and other days are just the basics. Sometimes I might have a period of weeks where I back off the intensity and switch around my programming.

I make those decisions after listening to my actual body — not the stories of my mind.

That flexibility what has helped me sustain daily workouts for over a decade.

Every daily practice must allow for seasonality and cycles, otherwise it won’t be sustainable.

I’ve used the same model to sustain other daily practices as well — from writing and publishing a daily blog to a daily meditation practice.

Where Can Rules Help You?

Think about something in your life that you want to do consistently, but maybe don’t do because you don’t “feel like it.” Maybe it’s exercise, writing, spending time with your kids, or even reading a book.

• What rules will help you get around your feelings?
• Where can you introduce flexibility in those rules to allow for your natural rhythms or seasonality in your practice?

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Whether it’s an exercise routine, a writing practice, or any other daily commitment, if you struggle to implement consistently, I can help you create the rules, rituals, and routines to create a consistent daily practice without burnout. Contact me to learn more and schedule a call to discuss how I can help you.