This morning, I laced up my trainers and stepped outside. The sun was already blazing, the air thick with that unmistakable summer heat. And right on cue, that familiar voice in my head piped up: “It’s too hot. Just skip it today. You can walk later when it’s cooler.”

Two years ago, I would have listened. I would have unlaced those trainers, made a cup of tea, and told myself I’d definitely walk later (spoiler alert: I wouldn’t have). That was the old me – the one who was 4 stone heavier, stuck in the same groundhog day routine, always finding perfectly reasonable excuses to stay comfortable.

But this morning, something different happened. I walked anyway.

Not because I’m some superhuman who doesn’t feel the heat. Not because I love suffering or pushing through discomfort for the sake of it. I walked because somewhere in the last two years, my identity shifted. I became someone who walks. And people who walk… well, they walk. Even when it’s hot.

The Moment Everything Changes

There’s this fascinating thing that happens when you start stacking small habits consistently. At first, every single action feels like a negotiation with yourself. Your brain throws up objections: too hot, too cold, too tired, too busy, too late, too early. The list is endless.

But gradually, almost without you noticing, something shifts. The action becomes less about motivation and more about identity. You stop being someone who’s trying to get fit and become someone who is active. You stop being someone who wants to change and become someone who has changed.

This morning’s walk wasn’t about willpower. It was about being true to who I’ve become.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
– Ghandi

The Power of the 12-Second Moment

As I walked down that sun-drenched path, I pulled out my phone and recorded a quick 12-second video for TikTok. Nothing fancy – just the path ahead, the sound of my footsteps, the reality of showing up despite my brain’s protests.

But in that moment, I realized something profound. Two years ago, I wouldn’t have had anything to record. I would have been at home, probably scrolling through other people’s content, watching their transformations while staying stuck in my own patterns.

Now I’m creating content from my actual life, from real moments of choosing growth over comfort. That’s the power of identity change – you don’t just consume inspiration, you become it.

Your Brain Isn’t Your Enemy (But It’s Not Always Your Friend)

Here’s what I’ve learned through my journey with Buddhism and Stoic philosophy: your brain is trying to protect you. When it says “it’s too hot,” it’s not lying. It genuinely believes it’s looking out for your best interests.

The problem is, your brain’s definition of “best interests” is usually just “safest” or “most comfortable.” It doesn’t understand that growth lives on the other side of discomfort. It doesn’t know that the person you want to become is waiting for you in those moments when you choose action over excuses.

The Stoics had a beautiful concept for this – they called it preferred indifferents. Things like heat, cold, tiredness, or discomfort are neither inherently good nor bad. They just are. What matters is how we choose to respond to them.

The Compound Effect of Small Wins

Every time you walk when it’s “too hot,” you’re not just exercising your body – you’re exercising your identity. You’re proving to yourself that you’re the kind of person who follows through. You’re building evidence that supports your new story about who you are.

These moments compound. They stack. They build momentum.

The person who walks when it’s hot becomes the person who meal preps when they’re tired. Who meditates when they’re stressed. Who chooses the book over the phone. Who shows up even when they don’t feel like it.

You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. – Marcus Aurelius

What’s Your “Too Hot” Moment?

As you read this, there’s probably something your brain is telling you is too hard, too late, too risky, or too uncomfortable. Maybe it’s starting that workout routine. Writing that blog post. Having that difficult conversation. Taking that leap.

Your brain will always have reasons why today isn’t the day. The weather’s wrong. The timing’s off. You’re not ready yet. You need to plan more first.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned through losing 4 stone, discovering Buddhism, embracing Stoicism, and completely transforming who I am: the perfect moment is a myth. There is only this moment. And in this moment, you get to choose.

You get to choose whether you’re someone who listens to the voice that says “it’s too hot” or someone who walks anyway.

Your Next Step

Today, I want you to notice your “too hot” moments. Notice when that voice tries to negotiate you out of growth. And then, just once, choose differently.

Walk when it’s hot. Write when you’re uninspired. Start when you’re not ready.

Because on the other side of that discomfort is the person you’re becoming. And that person? They’re worth every uncomfortable step.

What’s the voice in your head telling you not to do today? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about your own “too hot” moments and how you’re choosing to show up anyway.

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This post is part of my journey documenting the small habits and identity shifts that transformed my life. If you’re stuck in your own groundhog day and ready for change, follow along for twice-weekly posts about real transformation through everyday mastery.

P.S. If you’re looking for daily reminders to ignore that voice and choose growth, I’ve got a few wearable mantras that might resonate. Sometimes the best philosophy is the kind you can carry with you. www.everydaymasteryshop.com