The Art of Showing Up! Especially When It's Hardest
Have you ever felt like skipping the gym after an exhausting day at work, only to end up lounging with pizza and a side of guilt?
Perhaps you've promised to double your efforts the next day, yet find yourself trapped in the same cycle of avoidance and regret. It's a familiar scenario, right?
The truth is, it's in these moments of reluctance that showing up matters most. Let's delve into the deeper implications of facing our challenges head-on and how they profoundly impact our happiness.
The Cost of Avoidance: A Vicious Cycle
When we give in to the temptation of skipping hard tasks, like exercising or maintaining a healthy diet, we're not just missing out on the task itself.
We're feeding a cycle of guilt, sadness, and possibly anxiety.
This emotional turmoil often leads us to seek escape in unhealthier habits - be it comfort food, excessive screen time, or other forms of escapism.
The irony is, these quick fixes only deepen our sense of dissatisfaction and self-loathing.
The Three Macros of Happiness
To understand the impact of doing the hard things, let's explore the concept of happiness.
Happiness isn't just an emotion; it's a state of being.
To attain it, we need to nourish it with three key 'macronutrients': Joy, Satisfaction, and Meaning.
- Joy: This comes from creating new memories, engaging in enjoyable activities, and spending time with loved ones.
- Satisfaction: This is the reward of accomplishing something challenging. It's a sense of achievement we can't buy; we earn it through effort and perseverance.
- Meaning: The most profound of the three, meaning comes from understanding our purpose in life, our passions, and what genuinely drives us.
Hard Things Feed Happiness
By tackling challenging tasks, we're not just checking items off a to-do list; we're fueling our happiness.
Each hard task we conquer contributes to our satisfaction.
It creates new memories (joy) and helps us explore and affirm our life's purpose (meaning).
The Ripple Effect of Showing Up
Showing up, especially when it's tough, does more than build habits; it reveals our true potential.
It challenges us to grow, to stretch beyond our perceived limits, and to discover who we can truly be.
Show up when you're tired, and discover resilience.
Show up when you're unmotivated, and find your inner drive.
Show up when life's knocking you down, and learn about your strength.
This is what lifelong happiness and healthy habits are made of - not just sailing through the easy days but triumphing over the tough ones.
It's in these moments that you meet the real you, the version of yourself that's capable, strong, and full of potential.
Take Action: What Will You Show Up For?
So, I challenge you: identify one area where you've been holding back.
Maybe it's a fitness goal, a dietary change, or a personal project.
Commit to showing up for it, especially on the days when it feels hardest.
Remember, each step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards the happier, more fulfilled person you aspire to be.
Let's break the cycle of avoidance and guilt. Let's start showing up for ourselves, for our happiness, and for the life we deserve.