What to Do When You Don't Feel Like Training 😵‍💫

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Half the time I enter the gym, I'd rather be doing something else. Yes, 50%! Even after 10+ years, I'm not always eager to crush iron or sprint up hills. Some days, I just don't want to.

Yet I train anyway—not from superhuman motivation or professional obligation, but through repetition, reward, and discipline.

Repetition: It Becomes Who You Are

Training is now part of my identity. Not training feels strange. This only comes through repetition. Consistent action makes activities natural. Eventually, training isn't forced—it's simply what you do. Like brushing your teeth.

If you're building this habit, you might not feel that way at the moment, and that's okay. Focus on showing up. No magic tricks—just keep turning up. Simple, not easy.

Rewards: The Feel-Good Factor

I train because I know I'll feel better afterward. Experience shows I rarely regret a workout. This loop—train → feel great → repeat—becomes ingrained.

The catch: rewards aren't instant. It's delayed gratification. Your brain needs time to wire this connection. Currently, you might only theoretically understand the benefits. After enough repetitions, your brain craves that reward before starting—an anticipatory dopamine release if you're feeling fancy.

Discipline: The Real Game Changer

Motivation is fickle; discipline gets things done. Discipline comes from a strong desire to change—moving toward fulfilment or away from pain.

Being tired of feeling sluggish can drive you forward. Or wanting to be the "Super Dad" who leads by example. That's rocket fuel!

Discipline isn't perfect—it's messy. I'm learning Portuguese and struggling with consistency. Why? Insufficient repetition, weak reward pathways, and inadequate desire. Without making it a priority, I'll keep struggling.

This creates a pain crossroad: face the pain of change or the pain of stagnation? Unfortunately change doesn't always win.

Are Your Ready To Turn Pro?

In Turning Pro, Steven Pressfield distinguishes amateurs from professionals beautifully. Amateurs await motivation and surrender to fear and self-doubt. They dabble. Professionals show up regardless of feelings. They push through resistance.

To make training stick, think like a pro. Show up. Do the work. Let rewards follow until It becomes part of your identity.

Remember—you don't have to feel like it to do it.

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P.S. If you enjoyed this week's Thursday Three, please share it with a friend.

Thanks,

Jamie