Using Your Fear of Regret to Your Advantage

Last night, I went out and ran a super windy 10k run before an impending snowstorm was expected to come make the outdoors look like December again.

Did I anticipate running a 10k on a random Tuesday? No.

Did I want to run in the wind and cold-ish temps? Nope.

Then why did I do it?

I’m currently participating in a running challenge that I’m using to support the local Alzheimer Society (feel free to donate on my behalf at this link – Walk for Alzheimer’s) where you essentially complete six runs, all of different locations and distances, in the span of six weeks. When I looked at my calendar, I realized that if I didn’t complete a run before the snow hit, I wasn’t sure when I was going to get my next run in and it would complicate things in the future (i.e. multiple-run weeks). Plus, I was already feeling upset and weird by not going because I wasn’t taking advantage of the free night I had and a lack of snow to accomplish a part of this bigger task I set out for myself.

In other words, the fear of regret of not completing the run was a bigger burden to me than the discomfort of doing the run.

Did I have less time in my evening to relax? Yes.

But did it feel better overcoming the mental struggle of doing the run even though at times it wasn’t the best but at least I’m still on track to accomplishing my goal?

HECK. YES.

If there’s something you’re putting off or you’re struggling in the motivation department, I want to ask you a question:

What is the bigger burden you want to bear? Feeling the temporary discomfort in the moment of doing the task or not doing the task out of fear/procrastination/etc. and feeling it long-term?

When you start to make a habit of “uggggh FINE! I’LL DO IT!”, and then accomplishing said task, soon enough it will become easier and almost second nature to overcome any hurdle – even if you actually want to do it.

If you need additional motivation, I encourage you to check out Mel Robbins’ Five Second Rule – it’s been so helpful for me!

Feel free to let me know what tasks you’ve accomplished this week. Always remember that I’m cheering you on!