Last week Monday, my wife and I started a 21-day OMAD (One Meal A Day) fast. This was inspired by our 2026 goals: to grow spiritually deeper and improve our health so we can be the best version of ourselves for our future together.
As I reflected on last week’s message, Annie and I realized that in order to stay true to our goal, we had to become aware of our previous patterns of self-sabotage and anticipate future blocks that could derail our progress. We prepared contingency actions and safeguards to get in front of whatever emotions and setbacks might come our way.
You’d think we’d be all set for victory, right? Not exactly…
When the Plan Isn’t Enough
Day 3 of our fast, I woke up tired, hungry, and irritable. My planner was filled with commitments—gym, reading, coaching business work—and I had anticipated the challenges:
- Two alarms set to avoid sleeping in
- Gym clothes laid out on the dresser
- My to-do list open in my calendar
- We even had an affirmation we created for motivation: “No excuses, no sugar, no compromise.”
But despite all that preparation, I found myself pessimistic, unmotivated, and dreading the day’s tasks. What was happening?
Answering The Call
As I lay in bed, cranky and conflicted, I realized I was at a crossroads. A raw moment of decision. How was I going to face what the day required of me? I’d been here before—moments where I didn’t rise up as I wanted, even with all the preparation and planning.
This morning, I decided it would be different. It didn’t matter how tired, irritable, or disenchanted I felt. It was time to take a stand.
That stand was a conscious choice to answer the call of life, not what I wanted life to be. I didn’t just react by forcing myself through the motions or pretending fatigue, hunger, and discomfort weren’t there. In that moment, I responded with determination and integrity. I got out of bed, went to the gym, and accomplished everything I set out to do.
The difference this time? I retained the ultimate freedom to choose my attitude and response in the midst of my circumstances. There was intention. I resolved to take a stand—not out of obligation, but out of identity.
Getting Back on the Path
We all face moments like I had last week—when discomfort is present, emotion is loud, and excuses feel reasonable. This week, do the following:
1. Name the Stand Before the Action
When discomfort shows up, pause for 10 seconds and ask:
“Who am I choosing to be in this moment?”
Not what you feel like doing—but the identity you’re committing to act from (disciplined, faithful, grounded, honest). Let the action follow the identity, not the mood.
2. Follow Through on One Non-Negotiable
Choose one small commitment you will keep today—especially the one you’re most tempted to excuse away.
Not to prove willpower, but to reaffirm alignment:
“This is who I am, even when it’s uncomfortable.”
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