Procrastination is like going to the gym

I have trained for about seven years now. But even today, walking to the gym still feels pretty unpleasant, at least at the start. I find it hard to just accept that I am going. My head fills up with thoughts like "maybe skip it today", and then come the excuses.

Later I noticed I have the same problem when I work with AI, or in my day job.

Starting something is usually not that hard. But you always find a reason: I am not fully ready yet; I need a proper block of time; or let me eat first and wait until I feel more comfortable.

None of that is always true. Back at the gym, once I actually go and start, I get into the workout fast, sometimes into something close to flow, and I forget I did not want to come. After I finish, I usually feel even better.

The problem is that even when I know all this, it is still hard to push myself. That is just how it is.

So with the gym, I tried a few things to make starting easier. I never pick a gym more than a kilometre from home. I want it really close. Even if a gym further away has better equipment or better coaches, I still go with the one nearest my apartment, because I want to be able to go any time.

I also try not to rely on special gear: wrist wraps, a belt, gloves, knee sleeves and so on. I would rather lift less weight and keep the whole thing simple. After training I shower at home, not at the gym. As simple and quick as possible.

And I try not to set a high standard or expectation. I do not expect a dramatic change from one session, or one week.

That is also why I made Hey Atu phone first. I want saving something to be easy and light, with no pressure: pick up your phone, say whatever is on your mind, and it is saved. When you really want to work on it properly, go back to your computer and carry on from there.

And even if you still do not want to start, you can just note the idea in Todo. When you are ready, tap Follow up and keep going.

All of this is there so I can accept procrastination a bit more naturally.

To me, procrastination is resistance to starting something. That resistance does not always mean the task feels bad, or will end badly, or that it is unknown. It can be very clear. It can even be the opposite: it will go well for you, and you know it.

So what we can do is accept that feeling, and, as far as we can, make the whole thing simpler, easier and more comfortable to start.

One last thing: this week I went hiking for the first time in a long while. I think I will do more things like that.