If you break down the emotions associated with derailing, you'll find it comes down to emotional overwhelm. Work gets tough, or you hit a difficult spot in your relationship, and then emotionally you don't have enough "juice" to push yourself. You have a tough day and you just feel... "no gym today, I just can't."

The thing is, willpower feels limited, but it's not.

What we describe as willpower is a mixture of emotion and decision, and the discipline part of willpower is simply a decision you make. By itself, that choice is painless, so focus your attention there.

How I apply this is to just "show up." Eat breakfast, then go to the gym... Mon-Sat. Simple and consistent. Going to the gym is non-negotiable, I don't ask myself "do I feel like it?" but once I'm there, I can decide how much effort I want to put in.

Giving myself that flexibility makes the whole prospect of gym pretty easy, no matter how tired or emotionally drained I'm feeling. I could just meditate in the yoga room if I want... or hang out for 10 mins and then go get a coffee. Thing is it never happens that way... I go to the gym, and simply being there inspires me. "Well I might as well do a few sets of something..." and then before I know it, I'm feeling great and so glad I came anyway.

I've found the same is true with everything... socializing with new people. Exercise & fitness. Nutrition. Learning dance. Even writing.

Just show up, no matter what, and then do what you are comfortable with. Some days you'll smash it, and some days you won't, but if that non-negotiable decision is there, you'll never derail.