You Don’t Have to Love It — You Just Have to Do It
Last year, I completed my first 5K at the Hot Chocolate Run in April 2025.
This year — one year later — I completed the 10K.
And here’s the honest truth:
I still don’t get excited to run.
There’s no part of me waking up thinking, “Wow, I can’t wait to go for a run today!”
In fact, most days it’s the opposite.
But what I do love?
That feeling after.
That “Oh sht… I just did that”* feeling.
The pride. The clarity. The energy.
And maybe even more importantly, I can tell when I don’t run.
My brain feels busier.
My body feels heavier.
Everything feels just a little more… off.
It’s Not About Loving the Process Every Time
Running has taught me something that goes way beyond fitness:
You don’t have to love doing the thing to benefit from it.
Let’s be real — there are a lot of things in life that fall into this category.
I don’t skip into my kitchen excited to do the dishes
I don’t celebrate when it’s time to tackle a pile of laundry
I don’t always feel motivated to do the “responsible” thing
But I love the result.
A clean kitchen.
A fresh start.
A clearer mind.
And that’s how so much of life works.
The Truth About Discipline and Stress
We often wait for motivation to show up before we take action.
But what if motivation isn’t the requirement?
What if the real skill is learning to say:
“I don’t feel like doing this… but I know how I’ll feel after.”
Because when you follow through, you’re not just completing a task —
You’re regulating your stress, clearing your mind, and building trust with yourself.
That’s the part people don’t talk about enough.
This Month’s Reminder
Pay attention to the things you resist — but also the way you feel after you do them.
Ask yourself:
👉 What’s something I don’t feel like doing… but always feel better after?
Then do it anyway.
Not because you’re motivated.
Not because it’s easy.
But because you know it’s worth it.
And when you finish?
Take a second to enjoy that “I did that” feeling.
Because that feeling?
That’s the real reward.
