If you’re anything like me, that probably means you’re human. If you’re human, then that probably means that you don’t always want to do hard things. After a long day of trying to teach 14 year olds how to read and write (idk, lol, poop emoji), I come home and want to veg in front of the TV or just give in to my bed’s call for nap time. Dreams and greatness are such

compelling ideas in theory, but it’s incredibly easy to falter in the realization of those dreams when there’s a left over bag of chips in your pantry.

In the last few weeks I’ve started a new practice that has helped me push myself to get out and run (and really to do anything that my lazy bone doesn’t want me to do). It comes with a change in the way you see the task before you.

Think Small

The idea of going out on a seven, eight, or fifteen mile run is daunting… especially if you have work afterwards or if you’ll come home to kids who need your love and attention. Lately, each time I know I should run I tell myself: “I’ll just change into my running clothes, and if I don’t feel like running after that… then that is totally acceptable. No questions asked.” I walk to my closet, pull on some shorts and a t-shirt, and grandma-knot my shoes. Finished. Task done. Sometimes I’ll flip on a song that I love to run to, like Left Hand Free by alt-J or Blue Jeans by Lana Del Rey.

Still feeling good? Usually I am. Break down your task again. Usually I tell myself, “Well, I’m already wearing running clothes, I’ll just walk to the gym and walk a mile on the treadmill. If I’m still feeling blah after that, I’m off the hook.” Once I’m there, in the gym, on the treadmill, or on a trail, I’ve never t urned back. I get my run done, and I feel great doing it. I’ve never been mid run and felt like the day’s baggage is still holding me back. Usually I end up feeling like my run was the only thing that really helped me destress after a long day.

So you’re having a hard time getting motivated? Just do the first tiny little step of what feels like an impossible task. Before you know it, you’ll be in the middle of it. And you’ll be loving it. What little things do you do to kick yourself into high gear? Share them in the comments below! Subscribe in the form below for more ideas on running and other crap.