Which path do you take?
As humans, we're naturally wired to take that path of least resistance.
In fact, everything is designed to take the path of least resistance.
Whether it's water, electricity, or our brains, it will always default to what is easiest, what is the shortest, quickest, or least challenging way.
Did you know wolves evolved to domesticated dogs because it was easier to scavenge on human trash than track down prey?
The path of least resistance.
So what's the solution?
Awareness is always number one.
Whether it's in fitness, nutrition, work, or life, we're always going to default to the easiest way of doing it (or not doing it all because that's actually the easiest).
So you have to consciously be aware of that, and continually remind yourself that the path of least resistance is not always the best way.
The people that have success, in any area of life, fitness included, are the ones that don't take the easiest path...
Getting up at 430am is not easy...
Showing up every single day, writing every single day (like this), for over 1000 straight weekdays is not easy...
Thinking that a 14-16 hour work day is normal is not easy...
But I know those three things, amongst a handful of others, are my personal competitive advantages.
I simply know, because it's not easy, most people won't do it.
Because it's a harder path to take, they'll be fewer people on the path, and I'll be farther ahead than most on that path.
Now that's a personal or business example, but you can relate that to any one thing...
Showing up to the gym when you have "better" things to do is not easy...
Meal prepping is not easy...
Journaling your food is not easy...
Saying no to takeout and instead making a healthy choice is not easy...
And it's why most people won't do it, so if you're looking for results, those are the things you need to do.
Go against the grain, go against what is normal or status quo, and do what others just are not willing to do.
With all that being said...
You can also use this to your advantage.
Since we know our brains are naturally going to go with the path of least resistance, we can do things that play to that.
For example...
Putting the alarm clock across the room so you have to get out of bed to shut it off...
Preparing your gym bag the night before and putting it by the door...
Hiding (or not buying) some of those food goodies (there's actually a company that sells food storage that locks for a certain amount of time)...
Have healthy foods on the counter that is quicker to access...
You get it.
As you may know by now, this change stuff (fitness, nutrition, or other) is hard, and it's mostly a mental game.
Just remember, our brains are wired to take the path of least resistance, so you need to use that to your advantage in some circumstances and go against it in others.
1% Better.
Dedicated to Your Success,
Doug Spurling