Simple analogies work for me, like this one about my bike.
Wear a helmet
You won’t win any fashion contests wearing a bike helmet, but the risk of not wearing one is just stupid. I was hit by a car and in the emergency room later told the officer I was lucky in that I just rolled off the hood. He told me there was an impression in the guy’s windshield the exact size and shape of my helmet. Don’t be stupid with risk.
It makes you stronger
My first trip took more than an hour, I couldn’t breath, and I was sweating like a divorce lawyer at the pearly gates. That same trip the last time took just 23 minutes, no sweat. It wasn’t the route that changed.
It helps you set goals
The first hill I climbed was impossible, and I knew I couldn’t make it. So I told myself to make it to that big mail box. That’s all. Just make it to the highway intersection sign. I can do that. Make it to the stoplight. Hey, I did it.
