New Year Thoughts: G.I. Joe Was Wrong
Some thoughts to kick off 2024
There’s a lot of pressure on the New Year. The “week between Christmas and New Year’s” is somehow supposed to be simultaneously a week of rest, family, and food, while also a time to take stock of the previous year, while also a time to plan the entire following year, while also cleaning house [literally and figuratively], while also arriving back to work on 2 January fresh and ready to go.
A bit unrealistic, in my view.
But, it’s never a bad time to reset, or take stock, or kick off some new habits. It just so happens that the turning of the clock to the new year makes us think we have to do it all, and do it NOW.
So without falling into the trap of thinking we have to totally change everything starting 2 January, here’s one thing we can all do.
Show up.
G.I. Joe said that “knowing is half the battle,” but honestly, I think it’s even easier - I think it’s just showing up.
When I was lifting seriously [on a powerlifting team and everything], there were plenty of days when I didn’t feel like training. It was hard work, I was tired, it was monotonous, the couch looked so comfy, whatever. I found the single best hack…suit up and go to the gym and stand there for 3 minutes.
My rule was that after that 3 minutes, I could turn around and go home, no harm, no foul. All I *had* to do was show up and stand there for 3 minutes.
I never once went home after the 3 minutes, though…I’d see other people lifting, I’d see my friends, I’d hear the music, and I’d think “well, I’m here, I’m dressed, I might as well just do a few things.”
And next thing you know, I’d be headlong into my training session, getting the work done.
So…just suit up and show up, and stand there for 3 minutes. I promise something will happen.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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