You've been walking the path successfully. Your finances are looking up, job performance is up, but you're getting a little lethargic about going to the gym. I mean it's hard when you're working, cooking, paying the bills, and enjoying life in general. The gym (or running, boulder surfing, whatever you like doing for exercise) can become a chore to keep at it. "I'll go tomorrow" becomes the mantra, and before you know it, the couch is looking more comfortable than it should.

What has always given me a shot in the arm is Anger. Now it's hard to manufacture anger from thin air, especially when overall your life is in relative balance. Anger is a reactionary emotion, so all you have to do is trigger it. Now sometimes my boss can be a catalyst, or impossible work deadlines can do it, maybe if I'm running short on cash for the month because my car decided to act up, that could do it. But those are all outside my control, and I tend to not get too worked up by those kind of life things that happen. The sure-fire way for me to get the catalyst I need is to ask a woman in los angeles out on a date. Even if it's a co-worker and the invite is "hey wanna get a cocktail and some apps at (whatever new hipster place just opened in downtown LA) after work one of these days?" The instant and fervant rejection I receive is a spark for anger, Which is exactly what i want because I can use it as a fuel source.

Remember in the star wars prequels when anakin confronts the Chancellor and in the course of their dialogue, he tells anakin "I can feel your anger, it gives you focus, makes you stronger."? I firmly believe that's a true to life sentiment.

I hit the gym and I'm angry. Angry that I dont look good enough, angry that my car isnt a new ferari, angry that my hairline is not where it was when I was in my 20's. Angry that my casual spending bank account isnt 5 figures yet. All of the superficial "you're not good enough for Los Angeles dating" thoughts are chewing on me.

But there is no place better I've found to focus than the gym. Every press of muscle fiber in a rep I am keenly aware of. Every inhale, exhale, and rhythmic repetition focused upon with an emotional burn that matches the muscles. That pop in the shoulder? Doesnt even hurt today. Push. Left arm shaking a bit? Adjust hand position left slightly, Push. Im picturing myself 9 months from now, with a "how do you like me now that I'm shredded and not interested" Thought in my head. Pushing with good form until I have to lurch the bar back onto its holder when finally my muscles and emotions fail me. Going to my log, I can see that I threw an extra 10 pounds and got 5 reps that day. After the three mile run, I shaved 43 seconds from my run time from focused exertion brought to me by anger. When I get home, I get that shower, a fleshlight session, and my entire body feels like jello by the time I'm crawling into bed, anticipating the soreness of my muscles tomorrow as a prize. I think about how good it feels to have a gym endorphin high, and how I'll be in the gym everyday for the next 8 weeks, driven by soreness and the recovery from it, focusing on better diet choices and leaving the cognac on the shelf. Getting stronger, healthier. Is 175 bench press possible? Of course it is. 3 miles in 22 minutes at age 42? Of course it is. And again it's back to enjoying the fruits of my efforts. My sleep is deep and recuperative, and I wake up and start the day feeling great before i even get a cup of coffee brewed.

My question for you guys, what provides you that "shot in the arm" or kick in the pants when you start slacking on the physical fitness? Do you use anger as a fuel in a healthy way? Or do you have another motivator that really helps you get into and focus on your workouts (or exercise of choice) to keep your body and mind healthy?