Motivation 10 Minute Rule

How I Overcome the “I Can’t Be Bothered” Feeling – The 10-Minute Rule

We’ve all been there – you’re tired, you’ve had a long day, and the thought of heading to the gym feels like a massive mountain to climb. The idea of working out for an entire hour can feel overwhelming, and suddenly, all the excuses start flooding in: the commute, changing, the time commitment… and before you know it, you’ve talked yourself out of it.

But here’s a trick I use to break through that mental block: The 10-Minute Rule.

Here’s how it works: I tell myself that I’m going to commit to just 10 minutes at the gym. That’s it. I don’t think about the hour-long workout I had planned, or the other things I need to do. I just focus on those first 10 minutes.

Once I’m there and moving, the magic happens. More often than not, after I hit the 10-minute mark, I feel good, and I’m in the zone. I’ll add another 20 minutes. Sometimes, it’ll turn into a full 45-minute session or even more! I get into the flow, and the workout becomes enjoyable.

Why does this work? It’s because that initial barrier—the thought of committing to a long workout—often feels like the hardest part. But once you’re there, in motion, the time seems to melt away.

So, the next time you’re thinking about skipping a workout, give the 10-minute rule a try. Remember, it’s not about the time; it’s about taking that first step.

Sometimes, all you need to do is get started.