No matter the routine, no matter the habits, bad days will happen.
I’ve been following practically the same routine every day for 2 weeks now. With the added challenge of 75 Hard, I’m doing the same things every day, following a diet, drinking a gallon of water, and getting 8 hours of sleep. There’s not much room for alteration other than different times for my workouts.
I’ve been feeling energized. In part I think it’s because I’m always on the move and getting my heart rate up with weights and walking. It’s likely to do with a proper diet and sleep routine as well. Whatever the case, I’ve felt quite nice and cheerful.
Of course, not all days are going to be good ones. Yesterday I woke up feeling tired and irritable. Work sucked, I didn’t want to be there interacting with customers, I didn’t want to workout, I didn’t want to walk, I didn’t want to do anything at all. Unfortunately, I still had to do it all.
This goes to show that you can be doing everything right, day in and day out, feel great 99% of the time, but sometimes those bad days find their way back in. The key is being able to manage them in a healthy way. There’s a saying that goes something like, “always give 100%. If some days you’re at 75%, give all of that 75%.” You don’t always have to be at your best, you can’t expect yourself to be.
A Stoic isn’t always on top of their game. Stoics have bad days, but they never let them destroy them. They realize they’re in a bad place, acknowledge the feelings, and watch themselves throughout the day. The negativity will try to find it’s way in through slamming doors, throwing things, wanting to scream… any number of outlets. The Stoic never lets these happen though. They realize they’re in control and can choose how they act.
That’s what we all have to do when bad days come. Realize the day may be tough and daily tasks may be more challenging, but do everything you have to do to the best of your ability. Never let the emotions win. Stay present and continue progressing at the rate you can manage that day.
September 5, 2024
