feel cranky and tired soon." Then I ate it. Then I started thinking about how, unless I am at peak condition. "Man you really love the fact that you lifted or ran after the fact, but the whole time you are exercising you are complaining in your head how much it sucks." So here's what I did.
I started writing down little messages on a note card. On one side I write habits that feel good now, but are bad in the wrong run. One the other side I write down things that are not fun or painful or tedious, but are good for me or pleasant in the long run.
I divide each side into two columns. One side: This is great now.... / But... and on the other side This sucks now... / But... The more but's the better.
Here is an example from each side:
- Stopping for McDonald's is great now, but
- it's salt makes me bloated.
- I'll have to use the restroom soon.
- I'll be hungry again soon.
- I'll eat too many calories.
- I could gain weight.
- I save money by eating at home.
- Running sucks now, but
- it will make next time easier.
- I will feel rewarded when I am done.
- I have a race to train for.
- St. Jude's is counting on me.
Humans are terrible at weighing current rewards and penalties against future outcomes. Our brains are still primitively wired in that regard. By having this note card on hand it will help me weigh the future consequences against my current actions. It doesn't always work,but it's success rate is non-zero and that's a win.
-P
Creativity Challenge 18/30
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