As I was coming out from getting my daily coffee, it dawned on me that I have been filling my days with rewards (coffee is definitely a reward in my book), rather than rewards after hard work.
It used to be that my daily cup of coffee (OK and bagel, I admit it) were my reward after a hard workout. But at some point the workout routine stopped, and the reward remains. At some point I let it become more about the short-term pleasure rather than about the long-term gain.
It's not the first time I go through this phase in my life, and probably won't be the last.
But even in the midst of not feeling so great, I am grateful. I am grateful that I care. I am grateful that I feel a pull to keep myself in shape, to move. Not so much for the beauty it brings but for the way it makes me feel.
I know when I exercise I feel strong, and capable, and powerful. And definitely sexier. So these extra couple of pounds are my reminder that I am not at my best. That to be at my best, my body needs to move. That to be at my best, my mind needs the discipline of hard work.
What's beautiful is that I've been having these thoughts more and more frequently, which is a strong signal I am getting to the stage of pushing through and beginning exercising again.
Honestly, I can't wait. Rewards, no matter what they are, taste so much better and are so much more enjoyable after I've done something good for myself.
About the author: Claudine Motto helps women entrepreneurs be more efficient in business so they can have more time for the people and things they love. Find her at www.businessinblossom.com.
