I Woke Up Exhausted. I Really Didn’t Want to Work Out.

I couldn’t stay cozy in bed with my tiny workout buddy raring to go, dumbells in hand

This morning, I was supposed to go to the track. I planned (in my own head) to go Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. But I woke up feeling like complete garbage—exhausted, grumpy, and sore all over in a nonspecific way.

I got up and did some work-related learning while drinking my coffee. I love this quiet time before my brain starts racing. It would have been even more peaceful if my toddler hadn’t ALSO decided to wake up at 5:30. Sigh.

At 6:30, when I was supposed to get ready, I still wasn’t feeling it. Despite caffeine, I had zero motivation.

I argued with myself: Should I just push through? But honestly, the thought of going to the track felt awful, and I just didn’t have it in me.

I considered doing nothing. But my toddler (see adorable photo of toddler with weights) was demanding a workout. So, I dragged myself out of bed, still bleary-eyed, and took three steps to our little home gym/toddler play area. In my pajamas.

I did a 30-minute workout video while my toddler interrupted me repeatedly—for help with a puzzle, to be picked up while I did squats (who needs dumbells when lifting a 22 lb toddler?), and just because. I didn’t pause the workout when she needed me because that would feel like punishing me for helping her. I just kept moving.

It wasn’t glorious. I was still tired afterward. Maybe I’m getting sick? But I got it done.

Without childcare. Without feeling excited or energized. Without particularly wanting to.

And this is what I teach my clients: Don’t make success contingent on feeling good, having childcare, or being motivated. Motivation, energy, and childcare are unpredictable. If you require those to succeed, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

Do it because you decided to. Commit to yourself and your child that you’ll take care of yourself—no matter how you feel. Because taking care of yourself is a gift to your child, too.

I know this sounds hard. That’s why I encourage my clients to start REALLY small.

Try this: Stretch for two minutes every day in your pajamas after you brush your teeth. That’s it.

And—this is key—write down your plan ahead of time and record every time you follow through. Celebrate that win.

To make it easier, I’ve created a simple habit builder. Stick it to your mirror. Start small. Make it just a little harder each week. Before you know it, you’ll be crushing your goals.

You don’t have to believe me. Try it for yourself. Drop me a message, and I’ll send you the habit tracker for free.