It is day six of working out. I want to quit already. But something inside will not let me give up. I feel procrastination creeping up on me, saying, “you can walk or run tomorrow; you are tired now and deserve to rest.” Wow!!! I am at war with myself. Have you ever said things like this to yourself? I am finding more reasons to not workout than I have to work out. Are you hearing me? I am a hot mess today.
The Conversation With Procrastination
When contemplating doing a thing, you have a conversation with yourself. Perhaps it’s not with yourself but with the spirit of procrastination and maybe doubt. I want to take you on a journey of my conversation with procrastination the other day.
Maybe you have similar conversations with yourself as well. For example, for several months, I have developed a habit of watching television in the evening while I eat dinner and after that. Before you know it, I have gained thirty pounds just like that. While being a complete couch potato, I often said I should hit the treadmill. I knew deep inside I had developed a bad habit that could lead to a severe problem down the road. The other pattern I created was reading a book while the television was on or studying.
The other day I looked at the treadmill, which is situated in my living room that made it easy to see and use.
(Procrastination)
However, procrastination chimed in their two cents and said, “relax, David, you are only going to hurt yourself because you are tired right now. Sit here on the couch and get your feet up. Look at your ankles; they’re swollen.”
(Me)
It’s been a while since I have used the treadmill, and the longer I delay, the more work I will have to do.
(Procrastination)
David, don’t you feel tired? I know you want to work out, but right now, it is just a recipe for disaster and an accident ready to happen.
(Me)
I can barely bend down to tie my shoes; I also have to start eating healthier than what I have been eating. So I will do something today. I will be a brand new start for a healthier me.
(Procrastination)
I understand eating healthier but pump the breaks on that idea until you finish those cookies you bought. You know you love those cookies, and I have to admit they are good. David, let us finish off the first pack of the two boxes you bought yesterday now.
(Me)
Procrastination, you have a valid point on the cookies. However, I am a little hungry right now anyway. Wait procrastination!!! Why don’t you want me to work out today? You seem adamant on me sitting on the couch getting fat. Is that what you want?
(Procrastination)
No, David, I want what’s best for you. I know you are tired and hungry. Once you relax, you can hit the treadmill if you’re going to. I want you to get the proper rest to help prevent injuries. Last night you didn’t sleep well, remember?
(Me)
Procrastination, you said you have my best interest at heart. However, it appears you don’t want me to start living a healthier lifestyle. Why is that?
(Procrastination)
David, you have all wrong. Remember when you hurt your leg because you were tired and came in and went right to the gym? You kept getting sick as well. Remember? I want you to have the proper rest before you take on something strenuous.
(Me)
I will switch up my routines and change some of the bad habits I developed. But, sorry, procrastination, I believe listening to you is how I created my bad habits in the first place. So, instead of procrastinating, I will implement action.
The conversation is over. Whenever I feel procrastination is trying to influence me, I call for action. Action is my procrastination killer. So when you think you are being affected by procrastination, TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY!
If we let procrastination have its way with us, we open the door for the spirit of laziness to visit. Before you know it, you will have to the entire family of hopelessness, despair, defeatism, and sorrow. We always have to work to be in a positive frame of mind. It is easy to be negative, but it takes a constant effort to train your mind to be positive and productive.
Treadmill Results
Below is a picture of yesterday’s results
Today is the sixth consecutive day of workouts and it is not easy. However, I showed up.
