Tag: reward

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discipline motivation

Self-Discipline is Hard!

Self-discipline is hard

I won’t lie to you. self-discipline is hard! It is especially tough when you are starting out and haven’t established a habit yet. Just why is it so difficult?

I am one of those guys that like to run. I’ve developed the habit for over twenty years, so I do have to remember when it was a challenge in the beginning. Still, when it gets cold and the wind is relentless, I don’t want to get out there either.

The other day, I had to bundle up to get out the door. It was Thanksgiving morning. I could have stayed in bed. My wife commented how crazy it was to get out there. I couldn’t argue with her. After all, in the short term, it didn’t make any sense to face the discomfort and go run.

In the short term, self-discipline makes no sense. But this verse has motivated me more than once over the years.

“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”

Hebrews 12:11 (NLT) via BibleGateway.com

Self-discipline is hard because we are drawn to comfort. Everything in the media caters to our belief that we shouldn’t have to do anything that isn’t fun and self-indulgent. Therefore, most of us look to the short-term pain and can’t see beyond the long-term harvest.

It seems like self-discipline is nothing but grief and pain when we are starting out. After all, any change we make faces resistance. However, I am here to tell you that if we hold out and do the hard work, we can reap a harvest in the long term. If you are starting a new self-discipline habit, Hold on! It is worth it!

Categories
motivation Running

Running Against the Wind

Photo of autumn leaves with the caption "Running Against the Wind"

Yesterday, Autumn made it clear it was here to stay. There was a dusting of snow on the ground and the wind was stiff. Bob Segar’s, Against the Wind came to mind. For the first time this season, I didn’t run in shorts. My legs thanked me. I searched for a pair of running gloves and a warm hat.

Depending on the direction I ran, the wind made me cold. I was glad for the gloves, warm hat, and jacket. It made things doable. When my back to the wind, I was tempted to think I didn’t need any of the warmer clothing. It was easy to think it was all overkill. But a sudden gust or change in direction soon proved me wrong.

My reward was the last few bursts of autumn color, and a cup of hot coffee and breakfast when I was done. Getting the courage to go out can be a challenge, but I am always glad I did.

Photo of read, autumn leaves
Photo of red autumn leaves © 2021 Kevin Spear

When we face any venture, we will have resistance like the wind. Yesterday’s run reminded me of the following:

  • Be prepared
    • The wind doesn’t care if you’re prepared of not. It will just blow
    • Being unprepared prevents me from enjoying myself
    • Being prepared helps me enjoy new experiences
  • Cursing the wind doesn’t make it go away
  • Giving up when there’s resistance prevents me of something better
  • There is always something beautfiul along the way

When you’re facing resistance, be prepared, face it, and enjoy the experience on the other side. It’s worth it!

Categories
motivation

A New Year of Risk and Reward

Happy New Year! I am with the camp that says January 1, 2020, is the start of a new decade too. So there is even more reason to celebrate!

Have you made your new year resolutions? No? I’m not one to hype resolutions either. They can be too vague and there just isn’t enough planning involved. However, if you are prey, then I agree with the sheep in my cartoon. He really needs to put his resolution into action, and quickly!

Cartoon of a sheep and a wolf

Instead of making resolutions, I am going to spend the day working out my plan with my wife. We have never been more fired up than now. It is exciting to break out of a routine and dream of what is possible. Yes, we are willing to take risks by faith. After all, we are fooling ourselves if we think there is any risk-free life. I love this quote by General Douglas MacArthur.

There is no security in this life. There is only opportunity.

Douglas MacArthur in Instant Inspiration

Too many of us think we have security. We may not like the way things are, but they are secure. It’s been this way for a few decades, why rock the boat? Just hold on until retirement and endure the current situation. We may not realize that philosophy is just as risky as trying something different.

The reality is we don’t know what the next day will bring. I don’t know what is in store for me. So I might as well dream big, plan, and take some risks. Playing it safe assumes I know exactly what will happen in the future. I don’t. What I think is safe can crumble in an instant. This is coming from a guy who experienced two layoffs in his lifetime. My father took early retirement from a seemingly conservative, stable company rather than experience a layoff. A seemingly stable business can crumble overnight.

Yes, I don’t know what tomorrow may bring. So I might as well, dream, plan and take some risks for the new decade. The reward could be huge.

How about you?