But it’s simple. The reason I do it is because I can’t not do it.

Want the results.

When I wake up to my alarm blaring at 5 AM, I don’t think about how cold it is compared to the warmth of my bed or the pain I’m about to put myself through. Instead, I think about how awful I will feel if I don’t do it, how much more energy and vibrancy I’ll bring to my entire day if I just do it.

Focus on pleasure over pain.

In order to keep the habit going, I strive daily to shift my mindset and focus from pain to pleasure.   By focusing on how wonderful I will feel after I finish my workout from how painful it is to get out of bed and begin moving before the sun is up.

It takes trial and error.

The only way I was able to do this was through trial and error.  I tried different times of the day to exercise, different kinds of workouts and found that the “5am, roll out of bed and begin exercising even before I actually wake up” is the key for me to make this commitment a habit.

Have a non-negotiable mindset.

Don’t allow yourself options.  Working out is a non-negotiable with my inner procrastinator.

Be OK with a reset.

I am not perfect and fall off the wagon (or should I say, treadmill).  I have to be willing to hit reset and give myself grace to take a break every now and then remind myself that there is a difference between a stop and a pause.

Now you.

What is one small thing you can be committed to that will help you reach a bigger goal or vision for yourself? What is something you can do everyday without fail that will make you feel amazing and slowly, but surely, help you to achieve what you want? It doesn’t have to be as dramatic as exercising everyday. For example, I recently made a commitment to drink one bottle of water before I have my first cup of coffee.

I challenge you to “work out” every single day, starting today. Make a small commitment which can create a new habit which leads to a positive lifestyle change.