Let me just start by saying this: if you’ve ever walked into the gym, rolled out your yoga mat, sat down at your desk, or shown up to a social gathering and thought “Nope, not today”—you’re not alone.
As someone who used to barrel through life like a caffeinated goat on roller skates, I’ve learned that not every day is meant to be tackled at full speed. Some days, the win is simply showing up—even if your best move is doing child’s pose for 45 minutes and calling it yoga.
The Myth of “All or Nothing”
You see, for a long time, I believed that if I wasn’t performing at my peak—be it at work, in workouts, or even in conversation —then I was somehow failing. But that’s a young person’s game. The older, wiser me has come to appreciate the fine art of strategic pacing. Life is not a sprint. It’s more like a weird obstacle course designed by someone who was both drunk and a fan of surprise plot twists. And on some days, just tiptoeing through the tire swings without face-planting is enough.
When Slowing Down is the Power Move
Slowing down isn’t quitting. It’s recalibrating. Some days, your body will whisper, “Let’s take it easy today.” Other days, it will shout, “If you try to deadlift one more thing, I will quit this whole enterprise.” (That “thing” might be laundry, by the way. It’s not always heroic.) And it’s not just physical. Ever sat with multiple screens open in your mental browser and realised you’re buffering in real time? That’s your brain asking for a breather. Take it.
Be Nice to Yourself, You’re Doing Fine
This one’s hard, especially if your inner monologue sounds like a mildly aggressive bootcamp coach. But seriously—would you talk to your best friend the way you talk to yourself when you feel defeated? No. So let’s not be jerks to ourselves.
Instead:
- Reframe the day: Didn’t smash your workout? Cool, you stretched and got your blood moving. That’s a win.
- Phone a friend: Not for advice, necessarily, but just to hear another human voice that reminds you you’re not the only one winging it.
- Write it out: A quick brain dump in a journal can feel like clearing the desktop of your mind.
- Find your “small but mighty” action: Wash your face. Drink some water. Reply to one email. You’re back in the game.
Defeated? Pause, Don’t Quit
When life feels like it’s got you in a headlock, take a breath. Then another. Then maybe a walk. Or a snack. (Let’s be honest, a snack helps most things feel more manageable.) You’re allowed to feel worn out. That’s not a flaw—it’s part of the process.
The goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s to keep going in whatever way you can. Some days, you’re the cheetah. Some days, you’re the tortoise in compression socks—and that’s okay.
Final Thoughts From a Seasoned Pacer
I’ve learned that grace goes a long way. Grace for others, yes—but especially grace for yourself. Let your pace change. Let your energy fluctuate. Keep moving, even if it’s slow, lopsided, or mostly metaphorical.
You’ve got this. Just maybe not all today. And that’s totally fine