One Excuse I'd Rather Not Make

August 24, 2018

I came back home from work one day this week, and I really didn’t want to code anymore. So I didn’t.

So I lounged around and watched Netflix.

But then this thought occurred to me:

Is I don’t feel like doing it” even a valid excuse?

And what is the reasonable justification for not doing what you should be doing?

I don’t feel like working out.

I don’t feel like doing homework.

I don’t feel like taking care of my kids.

Shouldn’t be:

I can’t work out because my shins are busted?

I can’t do my homework because I’m tired.

I can’t take care of my kids right now because I’m sick.

In summary, I don’t think emotions should dictate our actions. There’s going to be days when you’re going to be super motivated to go for that run, and code the night away. At the same time, there’s going to be crappy days when you really don’t want to take another step after a lousy day at work, nor make another damn stroke on the keyboard. Not because you’re tired, but because you just don’t feel like it.

Why should you work towards your goal only during your good days, and halt during your bad days, solely based on your emotions?

I think you just have to keep at it. Be disciplined. Take just one more stroke. One look. One more step towards your goal.

There are times when the weather is perfect, and the sun is right up in your face and day is gorgeous. But aren’t there days that are so murky that you start to question the existence of a light source? Regardless, the sun is still there. It still rises from the west and sets in the east.

Similarly, you just have to work on yourself. Chip away the sculpture you are making one piece at a time. Because the moment you drop the chisel, you gotta pick it up again. It’s so much better to hold onto it, chip even a minuscule piece of what you want to accomplish rather than let your muscles relax and lose all tension and focus.