On tough days, seek out the toughest side of you. It’s important to note that this is a verb, rather than an adjective. There will be days you have to actively seek out your tough side, while on others it will come easily.
Long days at work can leave you feeling up for anything except a lifting session when that’s exactly what you really need. Sometimes you may find that even moderately tough days can zap your desire to workout. Hosting visitors at home, being stuck in traffic on the way home, and family needs and expectations all present valid excuses for pushing off the gym.
But you already know how great you feel when you leave there. When the endorphins kick in and your smartwatch tells you how high your heart rate elevated, you feel empowered!
When days get long and hard and frustrating and annoying, remember that feeling. When was the last time you said: “I wish I didn’t go lift?” Exactly! Probably never. You can’t bottle that feeling, but sometimes it helps to write it down. Read it when the excuses come to mind to motivate you.
Put your bad day behind you with a badass workout. Even a short one will do—though once you get going, you may find that your body craves something longer. Because you’re tougher than you think. When nothing goes right, go lift.