Dr. Topher Fox

Ready, Set...Fizzle

Karl* wants to get back into the habit of running regularly. He's gained about 10 pounds over the last 2 years, and where he used to regularly hit the trails about 5 times weekly, lately he's "just not motivated" to get out the front door. 

Do you have anything like this in your life? Do you have a habit or routine you'd like to start, but either you just can't seem to get traction, or you start but find the habit impossible to maintain?

I certainly do. Let me give you a personal example. I've always wanted to become a "journaler," routinely writing about my days, what I'm learning, what challenges I'm facing, memorable events, interesting conversations, and the like. I've heard it's helpful for learning and progressing past challenges, and can be good for dealing with stress. I've tried several times to make journaling a habit, but I've never been successful. I've never been able to make it stick.

Contrast that with my morning "wake up" exercise routine. I...