Decisions decisions

Making a decision is like diving into a fast flowing river.

You know the direction the river is going when you jump in, but once you are in, you go where the water takes you.

Good habits always start with a decision. 

So do bad habits. 

You never know if the decision is of no consequence, or if the decision will change your life.  

On the 4th August, 2021, I decided to walk 10,000 steps. My legs were sore that night. 

I didn't know it then, but that decision changed my life.

The next day, I decided to do it again. My legs felt better after a walk, and so I decided to do it again the next day.

After 7 days of walking 10,000 steps each day, I was hooked.  

I made a commitment to walk 10,000 steps each day. I didn't say to myself how long I would maintain the commitment, and since that day, I've kept up the pace.

When it's hot, I walk 10,000 steps.

When it's cold, I walk 10,000 steps.

When it's windy, I walk 10,000 steps.

When it's raining, I walk 10,000 steps.

When I'm feeling tired , I walk 10,000 steps.

When I'm feeling unwell, I walk 10,000 steps.

When I'm on holiday, I walk 10,000 steps.

When I had COVID and I was isolating in my bedroom, I could not go outside for a walk. I walked from one side of the room to the other more than 1,000 times. I walked 10,000 steps on that day

When I was travelling to Africa on a plane, I could not go outside for a walk. I walked up and down the aisle of the plane for many hours. I walked 10,000 steps on that day.

Every day, I walk 10,000 steps.

When I tell people that I walk 10,000 steps every day, they are sometimes surprised.

"Every day? What about if (insert situation here) happens?"

They usually mention health and weather situations.

"Every day", I confirm.

Because to me situations are just situations. I don't judge them.

Situations are not reasons to alter a commitment to myself. 

Situations are definitely not excuses to let myself off.

Interestingly, the specific situation that someone asks about is usually an excuse that THEY use.

On the rainy days, the footpaths are usually empty.

In late spring and just after new years day, the footpaths are usually full.

I know, because I go every day.

This makes me reflect on the nature of decisions and decision making. 

Like, what happens when you and I make a decision? Do we make a "resolve" decision or an "I'll try" decision? 

Some people 'try' to keep commitments, but permit themselves a get out of jail free card. 

I'll do it unless it rains.

I'll do it unless it's a Friday. 

I'll do it unless the weather is beautiful.

And when you keep your commitment on a challenging day, this is a day of distinction. 

No one would hold it against you for missing ONE day when that thing happens.

And it's precisely because no one would hold it against you that these are called days of distinction.

On Wednesday this week, there was a massive storm in Sydney. 

Thunder and lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds.

The storms took out power to about 200,000 homes, trees were uprooted and rivers broke their banks. 

For me, a storm is just a situation, and not walking wasn't even a consideration. 

Despite the wild weather, I kept my commitment. For me, Wednesday was a day of distinction.

On the 4th August, 2031, I'll commemorate my 10 year anniversary of walking 10,000 steps every day. 

That will be a milestone.

I close my eyes and imagine.

I'll remember that day when I made the first decision.

I'll smile and think about the thousands of decisions, and millions of steps, since that first decision.

I'll be proud of my commitment, and I'll pat myself on the back.

And of course, I'll celebrate the achievement by going for a walk.