How to Conquer the Inconvenience of a Good Habit

 

The gym is an awful, awful place. Not because I hate going, but it’s February and the new-resolutioners have been in season for weeks.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m no hater. I was new once. And I wish each and every person success with their fitness. But you and I both know that soon, only a fraction will stick around. They will have found their groove, time in their schedule and good gym manners. Maybe one day, we’ll even become friends.

I applaud this tenacious bunch. Making time for a new habit is rarely easy. Even harder is staying consistent. And till it’s old hat, it is almost always inconvenient.

A couple of weeks ago, the instructor at my gym class scolded two girls for being loud and disruptive. Scolded (after two polite requests) like they were kids! The class was packed, and anyone with a bead of sweat could’ve told you that, in her class, she means business.

Everyone except those two, who were obviously there just to hang out.

I haven’t seen them since.

I get it. A new habit, especially one that causes grunts and sweat is not most people’s idea of fun. I remember how painful it was in the early days. Every one around me seemed to belong there, while I grasped at every ounce of willpower just to keep showing up.

But isn’t that how everything new and challenging feels in the beginning? Like you were the only one struggling? It was uncomfortable, inconvenient, difficult. Which is why most don’t start, or quit too soon.

It’s not till you take the plunge, figure out a few things and make some progress that your attitude begins to shift.

The inconvenience doesn’t go away. You adapt till it becomes familiar, and part of your routine. Once you notice the benefits, the trade off becomes worth the price you pay.

You learn to like what you once thought you never would, like choosing exercise instead of TV, or waking up an hour earlier.

You learn to change your triggers, like watching your favorite show only while working out. Or meeting up with a friend who actually likes to exercise.

You gain small wins, and build consistency.

You keep persevering.

Why?

Because if you do, then all of a sudden you’re doing what most people – even you, before – used to think was too inconvenient and therefore, difficult.