I think it's the best representation I've ever seen of how and why habits are so impactful.

I used to work out with a champion bodybuilder (he was Mr. Teen USA back in the day). What struck me was just how regular his daily workouts were. The guy was an absolute beast, and yet I didn't feel like he was really doing anything special. His explanation always stuck with me.

He said success with bodybuilding wasn't about deadly workouts.

It was about consistency. Going every single day, no matter what.

And that's what he did. I'd show up three, maybe four times a week. He was in there every damn day. It was a habit.

And, just like the image illustrates, sometimes his workouts were light, and sometimes he really did go all out. But it didn't matter either way because no matter what, he knew he would get into the gym and give whatever he had in the tank.

I think that's what discourages so many people regarding habit building. They start building the habit but feel like failures when they can't give it their all. What they don't realize is when it comes to habits, that's where they're the most successful!

Building a habit means ensuring you're doing the thing even when you don't have the [insert excuse].

So, if you find yourself dragging through a task, realize that means your habit game is strong because you're still doing the thing even though you're on empty.

If you look at the visual, the habit is the circle.

Whatever is inside the circle comprises your motivation, energy, ability, whatever.

You're not always going to have a ton to give. Or, some days, you could be overflowing with fuel. It doesn't matter.

What matters is showing up.

Every. Single. Day.

Show up. Do the thing. Make it a habit.

That way, when you are bursting with energy, you have somewhere to put it. And, for the days you're going to sleepwalk through life, you're at least protecting yourself from total failure. You have a minimum standard. Show up.

How do you maintain your daily habits, even on tough days?