I currently run four miles every other day.  It is just what I do.    

Like everyone else, there are days where I don’t feel like running.  Cold, rain, wind, travel, work, life, all seem like great excuses to do nothing.  

Today in particular is a beautiful day, but I didn’t feel like running.  Like always, that is when my brian starts negotiating with myself.  That little voice in the back of my head that tells me I don’t have to run today.  I deserve a day off.  Skipping one day won’t matter . . .   

These are excuses.  

After the first mile the voice in the back of my mind tried to convince myself I should turn back.  After all, my legs were tired from the 40 mile bike ride yesterday and I could fit in another workout tonight instead of running in the morning.    

I find when this voice of doubt creeps in that I am the type of person that doubles down my effort.  It is the days when you are tired count the most because these are the days that show you who you really are.  

Entrepreneur Jim Rohn said, “We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret and disappointment.”  

This reminds me of the parable of the Ant and the Grasshopper.  There are many versions of this story, but the gist is that the ant spends all summer storing food for the winter while the grasshopper spends his time singing and dancing.  When the winter comes the grasshopper is starving and begs the ant for food, but the ant refuses.  He doesn’t have enough to feed them both because the grasshopper didn’t help prepare.  

This is a classic example of discipline versus regret.  The same is true for saving for retirement, or working out to maintain fitness (as was my case this morning).    

For me, the pain of disappointment is not something I want to experience.  Ever.  Does that mean I am never disappointed?  Of course not.  But I never want to be disappointed because I  didn’t put in the hard work.  Because I didn’t put in the effort.  Because I lacked the discipline.

There are numerous times when I don’t feel like working out where I end up hitting my PR.  I use that voice of doubt in my head to push even harder.  To prove I am the one who is in control.  

Are you listening to that voice in your head that is justifying why you shouldn’t do something that is good for you?  Unfortunately, change often requires that the pain of not changing (the pain of regret) to be greater than the pain of the change (discipline). Don’t be the grasshopper.  Don’t wait to make the change.  

Like I said, for me, the pain of disappointment is not an option if it is within my control.  I choose the pain of discipline.  Every day.    

So this week take control back.  Get that extra workout in.  Finish that project.  Start an investment account.  Feel the accomplishment that comes through daily discipline, and I promise you that your life will change for the better.

Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly.  Thanks for tuning in.