Whenever I dread doing something that I know needs to be done, or when I’m feeling lazy and unmotivated in general, I will often use a particularly effective tactic to get inspired. I’ll imagine a conversation with my future self. This future version of me possesses skill, ability, experience, and knowledge that far surpass my current levels. He’s what I aspire to be.
“Why are you just sitting there?” he’ll ask. “You have work to do.”
“I’m so tired and I’m not feeling…”
“Stop!” he commands. “Your inaction will cause me to be weaker, slower, and duller. How could you possibly allow that to happen? You have a limited amount of time on this planet. The longer you wait, the more distant I become. Soon, I may be out of your reach entirely. I know this frightens you. Now, get off your ass and turn me into a reality.”
His words are very convincing.
During especially challenging runs, I remind myself that the body is not the same as the user of it. They are intimately intertwined, but remain distinct. The body is an incredible tool; a vessel that allows me to navigate and experience the physical world, but it is not me. It is not the “I”. I’ve found minor aches and pains become far less noticeable when I view my body in this way. I’m not in pain. The body is just experiencing an uncomfortable side effect that occurs when it’s pushed to its limits. The more I practice this way of thinking, the more I’m able to tolerate.
My body is a living machine capable of self-repair and improvement. Unlike lifeless, metal and plastic tools, my body strengthens and becomes more efficient with use. It is also the only thing I know that I’ll be able to keep throughout my entire life. Anyone and anything else can be taken from me at anytime. I get to keep this body until my time is up. Some people spend thousands of dollars upgrading and renovating their cars and houses, without investing any resources on their first and far superior home and vehicle.
Time will eventually wear my body down and I know that one day it won’t be able to do the things that it can do now. So today I am going to show my appreciation for this amazing gift and go make use of it.
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