When the pandemic hit, I got extra-serious about my fitness and self-care routine.

 

Since my local yoga studio and gym were both closed indefinitely, I created a do-at-home workout zone in my house.

 

I laid out my yoga mat. I put out my shoes. I purchased a new set of elastic resistance bands. I got a stationery bicycle. And of course I bought a cute neon yellow headband with major throwback ’80s vibes, because obviously that’s crucially important too.

 

I felt proud for investing in myself and prioritizing my health.

 

For several weeks in a row, things went great. Daily cycling rides. Daily resistance training. Deep, cleansing sweat. Long walks with the dog. Swimming and bodyboarding in the ocean. I even carved out quiet time to be still, meditate, and rinse out my brain.

 

Then “life happened” as life often does.

 

I took on several new clients. I launched a new program. I set some ambitious new financial goals for my company. I got busier. My workdays intensified. And I fell out of my wellness routine.

 

I was working longer hours, sitting more at my desk, logging much more time in front of a glowing digital screen, and inventing 1,000 excuses why I couldn’t possibly squeeze a 25 minute workout into my day.

 

I began feeling annoyed with myself.

 

“Why am I being so lazy?” “I’m really good at focusing and accomplishing goals. So why am I avoiding this *one* thing?” “Why can’t I just get back on track?”

 

This spiral of annoyance carried on for several more weeks.

 

This morning at 5:54 a.m., something changed.

 

I can’t explain what exactly. It was just a moment. A decision.

 

I looked at the dawn sky and simply decided, “It's time to get back on the bike.”

 

And I did.

 

I completed a low-intensity 10 minute cycling ride, followed by 10 minutes of weight training (light weights, 3 pounds), and then 10 minutes of stretching on the floor. Nothing too crazy. Gently easing back into things. It felt incredibly refreshing. Soul-electricity: alive again.

 

It’s never too late to find renewed commitment and devotion.

 

It’s never too late to do the thing you’ve been avoiding.

 

It’s never too late to get back on the bike.

 

Whatever your “bike” may be.

 

This year is not over yet.

 

Today is not over yet.

 

Get back on the bike.

 

-Alex

 

PS. My younger sister Olivia made this playlist and it's beautiful.

 

PPS. Happy birthday to my treasured friend (and podcast co-host) Melissa! Our podcast is completely silly and joyful and ridiculous, if you're craving something like that in your life.

 

PPPS. Please do yourself a favor and read Brain Wash and Deep Work. Two books that will inspire you to spend less time on social media, texting, checking email, puttering around the Internet, and other brain-congesting activities. Shampoo your brain, rinse out the residue, re-learn how to concentrate deeply, and create space for high-caliber work to flow through you.

 

PPPPS. What "bike" are you gonna get back on...today? And why?