This is a thought I had before entering the gym to train for the day. It is a practice I do each day before I train to be able to look back and see how my mentality morphs and changes through the monotony of never ending training…
“Feels like I’m leaving something behind… and I think that is the need to discuss the act of doing something before just doing it. A simplification of the problem I’m facing. Something needs to be done, the only way to not dread about doing it is to just do it. The act alone is the counter for the judgment of how that act would make you feel, or how long it would take. The act alone cuts that all up for you, your mind space is cleared and your energy is saved from formulating a mental image of how much you are going to hate doing what you are about to do. Well, on that note I will head inside and rip my back apart on yet another training session.”
In moments of decision, the weight of anticipation can often feel overwhelming. The mental images we construct about the effort required or the discomfort anticipated can lead us into a spiral of dread. This thought process, articulated before a training session, encapsulates a powerful realization: the path to overcoming dread lies in the immediacy of action.
“Feels like I’m leaving something behind… and I think that is the need to discuss the act of doing something before just doing it.” This statement reveals a significant shift in mindset. It’s an acknowledgment that talking about an action—analyzing it, predicting its discomfort—can be more draining than the action itself. This shift is about embracing simplicity in the face of complexity. The problem isn’t necessarily the task at hand, but our approach to it. By cutting through the mental noise that clouds our intent, we can find clarity and focus.
The approach described here, “Something needs to be done, the only way to not dread about doing it is to just do it,” is a practical application of psychological principles akin to those in behavioral activation therapy, where action precedes motivation and emotional adjustment. Often, our anticipation of an event is far more taxing than the event itself. When we shift from planning to doing, we intercept the cycle of anxiety and procrastination. This not only conserves energy but also frees us from the self-imposed judgment about how the activity will affect us.
The act of doing cuts through the clutter of preconceived notions about how long a task will take or how unpleasant it will be. This is a liberating realization. “The act alone is the counter for the judgment of how that act would make you feel, or how long it would take. The act alone cuts that all up for you, your mind space is cleared and your energy is saved.” Here, the focus is on the therapeutic nature of action. By acting, you dismantle the barriers erected by overthinking. The mental space once occupied by dread becomes a reservoir of potential energy for the task at hand.
“Well, on that note I will head inside and rip my back apart on yet another training session.” This concluding statement isn’t just about physical training; it’s a metaphor for any challenging activity we face. It speaks to the ethos of endurance and resilience, where the act of starting transforms into the act of overcoming.
Training, in this context, isn’t just a physical endeavor but a mental and emotional crucible where each session is a practice of leaving behind the unnecessary baggage of hesitation. Each drop of sweat not only builds physical strength but also fortifies a mental resilience against the inertia of apprehension.
