I used to only go work out "if I felt like it." I'd always rationalize to myself, "It's no big deal if I skip one workout. I'll make up for it tomorrow." And then tomorrow would come, and I'd do the same thing. Then I'd re-rationalize to myself, "It's no big deal, it's only one week. Lots of people skip weeks. Just get back on track next week." Then I'd end up skipping most of next week... and before you know it, it's been months and I've stopped working out.

After a while it became obvious that I was lying to myself -- fitness showed me just how easy it is to buy your own bullshit.

However, that hiatus was helpful for me, because I started up again and now I know I can't lie to myself. If I am groggy, or tired, or whatever, it doesn't matter: I am going to work out. It's harmful to rationalize to yourself "It's just one day, I can skip it" because you can always use that excuse.

Instead I rationalize to myself, "I can't skip any days. Even if there is a fucking flash flood heading for the gym, I am going to lift." You have to learn how to make time for fitness, rather than "fit it in" whenever you feel like it. Otherwise the "it's just one day" mentality will destroy everything. Sort of like Jerry Seinfeld's calendar strategy, you have to keep the chain going at all costs. You simply cannot let it break or you have to start the chain all over.

This mentality really helped me in a lot of other areas, where we often do things once we work up the motivation or courage. Fitness instead forces you to do things and take action rather than live in your own head so much. And becoming more of a "doer" is very helpful in life.

It also helps that fitness gets you in shape, which means people become more receptive to you -- you look healthier, feel better, have more energy, act more confident, etc. Fitness really is a sort of gateway drug to a more productive life. It's the rising tide that lifts all boats.