My running buddy and I decided to take a break from our early morning run this week.
The extra sleep, we voted, was the more valuable priority.
I got a text not long after that said “Back at it next week, harder than ever.”
This, in my estimation, is a very common response in our hustle, grind, crush it culture.
We take a (much needed) break and then feel guilty because we’re “supposed” to always be on and hustling and grinding, and crushing it… so we double down on the comeback workout and vow to go “harder than ever…”
But, there’s nothing to feel guilty about.
If a genuine break was needed and a higher priority task was put in its place, this is strategy—not something that should make us feel guilty. This is how we play the long-term game, rather than appeal to the short sprints that make us resent the practice altogether.
I replied and said, “No need to make it harder—just back at it. No need to owe yourself anything. No need to beat yourself up. We listen to our bodies and show up with what we have when we’re able.”
And as long as we’re clear on our priorities and honest about what we’re telling ourselves when we miss—this is the path.
Killing ourselves is an awful strategy for long-term success.
P.s. This is the LAST week to get The Art of Forward (Direction > Speed) at 52% off! After this week, the coupon code (LAUNCH) will expire and the price will return to normal.