During a recent run, I reached a point mid-way where I wanted to stop. My heart rate was at its peak, I was out of breath, and I didn’t want to continue.

But I reminded myself: “This is part you want to feel. And it’s temporary. This experience is the point. This is what prompts growth and improvement.”

Just acknowledging that helped me to continue. It didn’t make the running easier, but it made the continuing easier.

When we understand the reason for the pain and discomfort, it helps us to lean in. When we don’t see its purpose, we naturally do what we can to avoid it.

Knowing why we do what we do makes all the difference.