I’m visiting the local athletics ground more frequently than I’ve done so previously. It’s hard not to spot the regulars now. These are the few that show up no matter rain or shine. They’re always doing their routine, sometimes in a group or often by themselves. They’re the ones showing up on a holiday. I’m definitely envious.

Most of them, though, are probably not doing it for some payoff. A few are past the age where you’d participate in any competitive athletic sports. Others are kids, but statistically speaking, maybe a handful of them will ever win any awards or praise beyond the state’s borders. Why do they keep showing up faithfully? It’s so easy to get distracted with enjoying the holiday or chill with friends at one of the cafes near the ground instead.

I’m guessing they’re showing up for the same reason I have been showing up: they’re trying to better themselves. But they have one advantage over me: they like showing up. To them, it’s not a chore or a punishment, they’re looking forward to the workout. That’s the reason they’re showing up day in and day out. They’re enjoying the process. That’s the reward for them. This is the key to any long lived habit.

It’s the same reason you gravitate towards certain activities naturally. You might enjoy reading, or coding, or solving sudoku – the same activity that can feel like the most boring thing in the world to someone else. This is your advantage. But you can also reprogram your brain to enjoy other activities. And the effort to do so will pay off handsomely if these activities will make you a better person – either physically or mentally. There’s a bunch of writing around the web on how to do so: associate your identity with the habit, add rewards, etc. However, leaving aside the tactical information, the strategic takeaway should be to actively monitor journeys you’re undertaking and doing whatever is necessary to make the worthwhile journeys as enjoyable as possible.