Exercise. I have been blessed with good health and work hard at staying that way. So almost every morning since 1995, no matter the weather or how I am feeling, I dress appropriately and walk 4 to 6 miles. I have only regretted that activity a handful of times over those 29 years.
I started walking a quarter of a mile at first. I was out of breath, sore, and cursing my decision to myself. Gradually, I stretched it out to a half mile, mile, 2 miles. Etc. This exercise worked best for me if I wanted to stay the course. I have a terrible running form and would find myself in more pain and stop exercising altogether. I traveled a lot for work, and so there was not always the right exercise equipment at the hotels (giving me an excuse to quit). Furthermore, one of my goals for staying fit was to hike in the mountains (which requires long distance walking).
When I was working a job with normal hours in an office building, I would wake up extra early to stay with my commitment. I remember walking the street in front of my rural home in Lowell, Michigan before it was light. I would encounter many creatures of the night (some real even) and would stamp my feet hard to try to scare them away. Once I was frightened by a neighbor rolling out his trash can, and started stomping my feet, which scared him in turn. After catching our breaths and an apology we were able to laugh about it.
Eventually I had my own business, and the flexibility to exercise in the daylight. I started to rotate in 15 to 20-mile bike rides, and while traveling using elliptical machines.
I often question my motivation. Am I doing this because of the fear of death? I do respond to people that I am "running from the shovel". I also comment that "when vultures are circling, I need to pick up my pace". Or is it because of the results I have received? A key factor in me losing 66 pounds, not going on Statins, and avoiding diabetes. Even the body aches seems to disappear once I start to move.
I honestly believe it is a bit of both. Either way, I am especially happy after I have successfully completed another long hike. That is the reason for consistent long-term practice. I also have that commitment in 2027 to myself, (that my mother- in- law inspired), to complete a 17 mile hike over the Continental Divide at 70 years of age like she did.