I’ve Been Running.
Life has thrown a few challenges my way recently. From dealing with difficult tasks and responsibilities to building new relationships, the past few weeks have been tough. As a result, I’ve taken it easy in other areas of my life—my diet, exercise, and overall well-being. But taking it easy isn’t always the best choice.
Just because we’re allowed to do something doesn’t mean we should. I can watch 4-5 episodes of Psych every night, snack on peanut butter straight from the jar, or skip my workouts. And while those choices offer temporary comfort, they don’t support the version of myself I want to become.
Being an adult means we get to make our own decisions. But it also means we are responsible for those decisions and their consequences.
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
Recently, I was invited to perform comedy and lead a laughter workshop at a Women in Military retreat (though I’m not in the military, my parents were Marines and I have many military family members!).
The retreat offered physical activities like kayaking, a ropes course, running, and cold plunging. Despite my resistance to hard things, I agreed to a two-mile run and a three-minute cold plunge.
Was it easy? Absolutely not. I regretted those extra scrambled eggs sloshing in my stomach during the run, and the cold plunge had me questioning all my life choices within the first 30 seconds. But once I pushed through, I felt empowered. That sense of accomplishment reminded me how capable I am.
Whether you’re wanting to commit to a fitness journey, a creative or business endeavor, or just live a healthier and more fulfilling life, these experiences inspired me to share three lessons that can help you face hard things that will take you where you want to go.
1. Gather Community
When I was skipping workouts and indulging in unhealthy habits, I wasn’t surrounded by people who would encourage better choices. It was just me, myself, and I—all too eager to stay comfortable. But at the retreat, being around motivated women challenged me to push my limits.
Research backs this up. A 2011 study found that working out with a higher-performing partner can increase your endurance. Participants held a plank 24% longer than those who exercised alone.
Surround yourself with people who inspire growth and accountability. Join a running (or fitness) group, sign up for an event on Eventbrite (there are many free and low cost options!), or get inside an online community where members are active and supportive. If you’re an artist, creative, or entrepreneur, check out my Level Up! Membership Community!
With the rise of disconnection these days, we have to be super intentional about meeting people, building relationships, and keeping ourselves mentally and physically healthy through surrounding ourselves with others.
2. Recognize Every Action is a Choice
While I sat through my nightly TV marathons, I told myself, “This is just how it is right now.” But in reality, every moment was a decision. Avoiding workouts and overindulging were choices—choices that weren’t serving me.
It’s easy to say, “I’ll start tomorrow” or “Monday will be a fresh start.” But every delay is a decision to stay the same. The life you want requires action now, not later. Embrace the discomfort of hard choices. Each time you do, you step closer to the future version of yourself.
3. It’s Never Too Late to Start Again
There have been countless moments when I could have given up—in fitness, business, comedy, or even relationships. But the only true failure is never trying again.
It doesn’t matter how much time has passed. If you start today, you haven’t failed; you’ve simply paused. Whether it’s day one or day 366, your willingness to take action is what matters most.
Do not let age, circumstance, money, or anything of matter convince you that you can’t start something because it’s too late. I can guarantee you that whatever situation you’re in right now, someone else has been in the same and has conquered whatever was in their way. You can too.
Moving Forward
By being honest with myself, I can evaluate my choices without judgment and make better decisions. Now that I’m home, I’ve recommitted to my well-being. I’ve worked out two times and slow cooked chicken breasts in the crockpot. Facing those hard things reminded me of my strength, and I’m choosing growth over comfort.
What hard thing have you been avoiding? Where could you be more honest with yourself? Leave a comment below—I read all of them!
Remember, growth happens when we lean into the hard things. You’ve got this!
Level Up! Your Life
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Keywords: personal growth, facing challenges, doing hard things, self-improvement, motivation, personal development, community support, decision making, mindset shift, never too late, health and wellness.
Level Up! With Shay 
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