Some days just don’t play ball. You know the ones—mornings that start with a glitch, evenings that seem to have a personal grudge. Life throws punches, and sometimes it feels like you’re dodging one hit after another. But here’s the truth: those rough days don’t get to write your story. You do. And the secret weapon to keep moving forward? Habits. Routines. The small, steady steps that carry you through when the world feels like it’s conspiring against you.
As the great philosopher Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” This rings true especially on those uncooperative days. That’s why I’ve been committed to practicing seven daily habits over 40-day periods. These aren’t just tasks on a to-do list—they’re my lifeline. They’re the framework that keeps me grounded when everything else feels like it’s spinning out of control. Even when the day punches me in the face, these habits ensure I’m still making progress, inch by stubborn inch.
Take yesterday, for example. I’ve been dealing with nagging back discomfort for months. Like a lot of guys, I sometimes think I’m invincible, picking up things heavier than I should. Classic mistake. Something in my back got tweaked, and it’s been causing a frustrating numbness in my hand. I finally made it to the chiropractor, and thankfully, he worked his magic and got me back in alignment. But the whole ordeal threw a wrench in my day. Appointments, discomfort, and the mental fog of frustration meant I didn’t get half the things done I’d planned. It felt like the day was winning.
But here’s where those habits come in. Even on a day like that—when my body wasn’t cooperating, when my schedule went sideways—I stuck to my routine. Maybe I didn’t crush my to-do list, but I still did my morning bible study. I still carved out time for a quick walk, and got my reading done. I still checked off the small things that keep me tethered to my goals. And you know what? That’s progress. It’s not flashy, but it’s real.
The Roman poet Virgil once wrote, “The greatest wealth is health.” And boy, does a wonky back remind you of that. When your body betrays you, or when appointments get derailed, or when life just feels like a series of canceled plans, it’s easy to throw your hands up and say, “Forget it.” But that’s exactly when your habits become your superpower. They’re the quiet force that keeps you moving forward, even when it feels like you’re wading through mud.
Building a routine isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, day after day, even when the world feels like it’s working against you. It’s about trusting that the small, consistent actions—writing, exercising, reflecting, whatever your habits may be—add up to something bigger. They’re the scaffolding that holds you up when the storms hit. And trust me, the storms will hit.
So, the next time life throws a tantrum, stick out your chest and lean on your routines. They’re your proof that a bad day doesn’t get to define you. A displaced vertebra, a missed deadline, or a canceled plan can’t stop you from chasing your dreams. Keep practicing those habits. Keep showing up. Because even on the messiest, most frustrating days, you’re still moving forward—and that’s what makes the journey authentic.
What’s one habit that keeps you grounded when life gets chaotic? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear how you keep pushing through!
The 740 Challenge 