Bad Timing Kills Good Habits
Last night I took up running, something I haven’t done regularly in years.
As the wind blew my hair and I cheerfully gasped for breath, I started planning how I would write about it. Who cares that I had a nagging throat tickle and the makings of a cold? I was on my way!
“Running Toward Simplicity”? Nah, too cheesy.
“Any Time Is a Good Time to Kickstart Healthy Habits”? Potentially.
“Reaching Your Dreams Is as Simple as Taking the First Step”? Kinda wordy.
Well, the real approach hit me in the middle of the night, as I was awakened by the fiercest sore throat I’ve ever had. As the white fire of Hell scorched my tonsils and my legs shook uncontrollably with every swallow, it hit me:
“Bad Timing Kills Good Habits”
Don’t Do What I Did
I still believe that there’s rarely a time when you should delay starting a good habit. However, I now concede that you should let common sense prevail when you’re in doubt. Ask yourself these questions first:
- What’s the worst that will happen if I take this action?
- Is anyone depending on me who could be negatively impacted by this action?
- What’s my motivation? Am I simply avoiding something else?
It’s not foolproof, but it’s a start. In the end, what I’m really encouraging is that you set yourself up for success.
As for me, let’s just say that the running bug has been effectively squelched for awhile.
Now, I’d like to turn it over to you. What has worked for you? Are there any guidelines you can think of? Or, do you think a “just do it” mentality is always the right way to go?
Similar Posts:
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- The Only Way You’re Ever Going to Break a Bad Habit
This post has 18 comments
August 20th, 2008
Oddly enough, the same exact thing happened to me when I tried to take up running a few years ago. I ended up kicking that particular habit because of the cold and have merely flirted with it ever since.
I like your three-question approach, too. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to implement it exactly as you lay it out, but it’ll at least get me started!
By the way, get well soon!
August 20th, 2008
Gah! You’re not my twin anymore!!
Hey, seriously, you ever need posts with running analogies, I’m your girl. I don’t use too many for fear of annoying my readers but I have a lot swirling in my brain
I hope your next run (I know there will be a next one!) is easier!
And oh my, with taking care of B, this is really bad timing to be sick! Be better soon, please!
August 20th, 2008
I have to JUST DO IT. If it is beneficial and I know it is, I have to just jump on it and go. I can’t delay. I can’t say “Oh I will start in 4 days.” If I decide to do something I have to begin THAT moment.
August 20th, 2008
Isn’t running great. It gives you time to mull over all sorts of ideas in your head.
I think it is important to try new things every now and then, even if they scare you. It lets you feel alive and it empowers you in ways that you can never imagine.
So I think you just need to do it. Get the idea and go. That’s it. Simple and plain.
August 20th, 2008
Sometimes you just gotta do it! I’ve practiced both ways of doing things. Sometimes life just happens no matter what decisions a person makes. Take care of yourself. I hope you feel better soon!
August 20th, 2008
Sara -
Oh! Sorry to hear you’re not feeling well. Sore throat stuff seems to be everywhere lately.
I think there are times – such as when sick – to delay beginning a new habit. Usually though, I am of the mind that one should just get out there and do it! Often the benefits far outweigh the costs.
I hope you feel better soon!
~ Annie
August 20th, 2008
I tend to like Nike’s “Just Do It” philosophy, but still, I think it makes sense to step back and give it the sniff test. Then, I say go for it! In your case, it doesn’t sound like it turned out so good. But don’t give up the running if you do indeed like it. And…take care of yourself (and your hubby)…R&R are in order (does that sound like too many r’s??).
August 20th, 2008
Sara: I remember you wrote a post on procrastination a while back (OK, I’m pretty sure it was a couple of months ago), where you explained that there are times when it is better to procrastinate instead of going for it. I think you should re-read that post and take your own advice, because this seems to have been one of those times when procrastination would have been the way to go
Hope you feel better soon!
August 20th, 2008
“Who cares that I had a nagging throat tickle and the makings of a cold? I was on my way!”
I’ll speak to this habit (exercise). While the intentions are good and noble, the execution was flawed from the beginning. I know this because I’ve done it myself and probably will do so in the future. In all the excitement to start up a new exercise program (or continue with your existing program), your mind has taken over and shut off feedback from the body. The mind is not patient here and throws caution to the wind. I have averaged about 2000 miles on my bicycle each summer for the last seven years. There are some pretty steep grades on certain rides so I know (even without looking at the metrics on my cyclocomputer) how I’m performing on a given day. My performance is definitely affected by such things as temperature and wind. However I do notice there are some days I’m feeling ‘off’. The important thing is to acknowledge it and possibly come up with a reason for it. It’s natural to ignore (at least for me) and shrug off the warning signs so I can see why you decided to run. My only advice here would be to closely monitor any feedback you’re getting from your body – especially when you suspect something may be amiss. Take care of yourself and hubby. Forget the running bug for now but hope you pick it up again at a more opportune time!
August 20th, 2008
I have to confess, I’m really of two minds about this post. I completely agree with the folks who disagree with me! After all, it’s so easy to let excuses stop you. Still, I felt so stupid, laying there in misery, thinking about how my soon-to-be-laid up husband was going to need me healthy for our household to function. And here I’d gone, risking sickness and injury for a lark. The stupidity of it was very humbling, and that’s what made me touch on the subject.
Eric: That’s too bad that you gave it up, but I completely understand.
Emily: Don’t worry, I’m already getting better! Have you ever thought of contributing to running blogs? With your mellow approach and running ideas, I think it might be a great match for readers.
Brad: I know! Excuses stop us from doing so many worthwhile things. Like I mentioned above, I really am of two minds here, and I love your go-for-it attitude.
Chase: You make it sound simple and easy. I bet you’re great at motivating people!
Davina: This could just be “life happens” moment. It’s certainly not the end of the world. I’ll still be more careful when a big event for someone is on the line.
Annie: That’s the worst part–the benefits are so worth it! I’ll get back out there sooner or later, once things calm down.
Lance: Don’t worry, I’m not giving up! I think this is a rare situation; most of the time we’re well served by going for it.
Marelisa: That’s the burn! I know better! Sometimes laziness really does pay off.
Mark: I will definitely be picking it up later. (I keep fantasizing about treadmills!) But you’re right–listening to my body would’ve been the simple and smart option. I’ll remember better next time.
August 20th, 2008
Okay, yes, starting something that you aren’t physically fit for might not be the best decision, however, I gotta go with Just Do It. I LOVE to run, once I get into the running flow. The problem is I always quit in the Summer because my lungs can’t process the humidity. Then I have one heck of a time getting back at it. Was supposed to start back at it on Monday, it’s now Wednesday. Oh, and no point starting now because I am on course 4 days next week, so won’t have time to run. Ya, let’s start in September. September is good. At some point I will Just Do It and all will be good.
August 20th, 2008
Just Do It is great but sometimes you gotta test the water…When I do things, especially if it involves physical activity, I try to ease into it. I like to be able to move the following morning.
August 21st, 2008
Personally, Sara, I’ve tried both the ’start tomorrow’ and the ‘no time like the present’ approaches.
With different habits, I guess either mindset works well depending on other factors unique to your own circumstances.
For example, it’s likely not wise to start a weight loss campaign on the same evening you’ve planned a special meal…
That said, if you have set clear goals to achieve a new habit and have the motivation, the time could be now!
Only the individual themselves can really judge when and whether all factors are supportive to success.
August 21st, 2008
Good post, Sara
I use the first two questions in most situations when I’m making decisions about how to live my life with the addition of “Will it have a negative impact on the environment and, if so, is there any way I can reduce or offset that?”
August 21st, 2008
I’m a recreational cyclist. I sort of fall into the Just Do It camp so that it part of my routine.
But, also believe in listening to your body. If you feel a cold or other illness coming on, there is always tomorrow or the next day. Like Mark, there are just some days when I’m a little ‘off’ and every hill is a struggle. Then I’ll ease back and just finish the ride instead of trying to force it. Also let you body tell you how far and how often to run. Trying to do too much too soon can lead to injury.
August 21st, 2008
I’d think it’s important to “just do it” but obviously timing is key too! While you would not want to be giving excuses all the time, listening to the needs of your body is about being prudent.
Yes…take a good rest for the time being! Hope you get well soon!
Evelyn
August 21st, 2008
You know this Monday I went back to the gym two days later I have a sharp shooting pain down my right leg, not the muscle, that I can deal with, but what this one is I don’t know. I would not even call it “Bad timing kills a good habit” I would say call it “Bad habit doing whatever it can to remain a habit” -too wordy?
Why does that always happen, you start to change for the better and the you know what hits the fan and derails you. I also call it the “Invite me out for cheesecake on the day I start my diet issue”.
Thanks for sharing and I hope you feel better soon,
-Tabs
ps
white fire of Hell… – I could not love this post more…
August 22nd, 2008
Running is really a great thing. Actually you can’t expect what is going to happen, so I think whenever you feel like doing something you should go ahead and never let anything hold you off.
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