NO Days Off
even a small step is better than nonen
This line is super quotable. Be ready with it next time you need to reject fun plans to work. Let it roll naturally off the tongue. Then, most importantly, walk away immediately after saying it. ‘Like a boss.’
“A rolling stone gathers no moss”
(The Moral Sayings of Publius Syrus, 524)
This is why I try to never take days completely off. Each day I take a step towards my goals no matter how small. I might not have time for a full workout, but I’ll practice the main movements I’m trying to get better at.
It takes way more energy for me to start working after a day off because my momentum is gone. It’s like the scientific principle of friction - static vs kinetic.
Friction is a force that slows us down. We need to overcome that force to move forwards. When an object STARTS moving, it overcomes static friction, and when it continues moving, it’s constantly overcoming kinetic friction. Kinetic friction is a weaker force, meaning once an object is moving, it takes less force to keep it moving.
Think of a really heavy shopping cart. To get it started takes a serious push, but if you let go, it’ll keep moving for some time. That’s because the friction is weaker once it’s already moving.
Humans work the same way. We chase goals and there’s friction slowing us down that we need to overcome. Friction could be any distraction or anything that stops us from moving towards our goals. The first time you wake up early to go to the gym is harder than the second day and infinitely harder than the hundredth straight day.
The key is to never let the momentum die. Keep rolling. Gather no moss.
Even a tiny step forward is much better than no step forward at all.
More Practical Use Cases
Average Joe: Why are you working after hours?
Big Nerd: A rolling stone gathers no moss
Average Joe: Wow, you’re in great shape. You must work out a lot.
Big Nerd: A rolling stone gathers no moss,
Average Joe: I’m so scared of aging. I don’t wanna get old.
Big Nerd: A rolling stone gathers no moss
Question of The Day
What do you do to stay rolling?
Your Friend,
Noah BigNerd Sochaczevski
PS. Keep rolling my nerds
PPS. Happy Passover!