Do The Thing You Don’t Like Doing.
What is one thing that makes you nauseous just thinking about doing? You know doing that thing is supposed to be good for you and all that. But you just don’t want to do it!
For some of us, it may be public speaking. Many people dread giving a speech in public. I used to have a love and hate relationship with glossophobia myself. On one hand, I think I kind of enjoy speaking in front of a crowd. I don’t mind the attention I receive while I’m on stage. But, on the other hand, I feel apprehensive about speaking in public. I imagine myself getting choked on words or being laughed at on stage or just making a fool out of myself.
Perhaps, this one is a riff on the glossophobia but how about talking to a stranger? There are few among us who actually enjoy striking up a conversation with a stranger. I know it’s hard to believe! But for most of us, having to interact with a stranger is both awkward and terrifying. I for one put on an earphone when I’m in a public space to let people know I don’t want to be bothered. When I was in college, I got a part-time job as a telemarketer. (How did this happen?) I quit after two days at work.
Some people dread waking up early in the morning. No matter how early they go to sleep the night before or how long they slept for, it is inconceivable for them to wake up at 5AM. They might label themselves as night owls, but, deep down, they dread waking up in the morning. I don’t mind waking up early as long as I get enough sleep the previous night. For example, if I sleep around 10PM, I can get up around 5AM easily. I need at least 7 hours of sleep.
No matter how much you “hate” doing that thing, but, sometimes, you just have to do it and keep doing it. Especially so if you know that the thing you dread is actually good for you and eventually yield great results for you.
For me, that supposedly good thing that I dreaded was taking a cold shower. I’ve been informed by many all the benefits of taking cold showers. It boosts your immune system. It helps with blood circulation. It’s good for your skin. The whole nine yards. But I just couldn’t get myself to do it. I tried a few times but I found myself thinking, “It’s not worth it,” “I don’t like this at all,” or “I want a hot bath right now.”
But here’s one thing you need to remember when you feel like quitting. You develop grit as you keep doing the thing that you dread doing. It doesn’t matter what that thing is. You are cultivating self-discipline and self-mastery as you endure through it. You may not like doing that thing right now. But, once the task is done, you feel a sense of accomplishment.
Imagine that…
- You gave a speech in front of your class.
- You introduced yourself to strangers at the party.
- You woke up at 5AM.
- And yes. You took a cold shower.
Now you have just laid a brick on your identity as well. You are the kind of person who does the thing even when it’s not enjoyable. You are disciplined. You demonstrate self-control. You are that kind of person now.
I’ve been taking cold showers for about half a year. Whenever the cold water hits my body, I feel the urge to turn the knob to hot water. But every time the shower is done, I feel so glad I didn’t do that. Honestly, I’m not sure I enjoy cold showers. But I’ve never regretted taking them. And I do feel pretty good afterwards.
It doesn’t have to be a cold shower. (Try it if you dare!) But do that thing that you dread doing if you are certain that it will help you become the person you desire. Discipline yourself. Cultivate self-control.
Your future self will thank you.
