Life, just like training, is a constant balance of knowing when to grind and when to nurture. We glorify the hustle the relentless push to be stronger, faster, and tougher. But what about the times when our bodies whisper (or scream) that they need a break? What about the moments when our hearts are heavy, and every step feels like wading through quicksand?
The real challenge isn’t just in pushing through it’s in knowing when to push and when to pause. It’s in being brutally honest with ourselves. Because the problem isn’t resting. The problem is lying to ourselves about why we are or aren’t taking action.
The Art of Listening to Pain
Pain isn’t the enemy. Pain is communication.
Physical pain tells us when something isn’t right whether it’s a muscle strain, an injury, or simply exhaustion.
Emotional pain is just as real. It manifests as stress, burnout, or the creeping feeling of being disconnected from ourselves.
Both demand attention. Both require a decision: Do we rest, or do we push?
The Motherly Approach: Nurturing Ourselves Like a Newborn
When we’re injured, we often treat ourselves like an overworked employee ”You’re fine, keep going. But what if, instead, we treated ourselves like a newborn baby?
Think about how a mother cares for her child:
She listens to every cry, responding with comfort and care.
She doesn’t push the baby to crawl before its little muscles are ready.
She feeds, soothes, and encourages, allowing the baby to develop at the right pace.
Now, ask yourself: When was the last time you treated yourself with that kind of gentleness?
There is wisdom in self-compassion. Your body is your home, your vessel, the only one you get. Treat it with the patience and love you would give a baby learning to walk.
The Minds Sabotage: When We Make Excuses
But there’s another side to this. Sometimes, what we call “Listening to our bodies” is actually listening to our excuses. The mind can be a trickster, whispering doubts, making problems seem bigger than they are.
Example: It’s been two months since I gave birth. Getting to class feels impossible.
My body is still recovering.
I’m exhausted.
Who will watch the baby?
I’ll start next week.
Every single reason is valid. But is it the full truth?
Is my body truly not ready, or am I just scared of feeling weak?
Am I actually too exhausted, or would movement give me more energy?
Is there a real obstacle, or am I creating one out of fear?
Sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the workout itself it’s getting in the car and showing up.
How to Be Honest With Yourself
Since we can’t always trust our thoughts, we need an honest system to check ourselves:
1. Ask Yourself: Is This Pain or Discomfort?
Pain = a sharp or persistent feeling that worsens. It means STOP.
Discomfort = soreness, fatigue, or mental resistance. It means PUSH.
2. The 10-Minute Rule
If you’re not sure whether to push or rest, give yourself 10 minutes.
Start the workout.
If after 10 minutes you still feel awful, stop.
Most of the time, once you begin, the excuses fade.
3. Would I Say This to a Friend?
Imagine a friend in your exact position. Would you tell her:
You’re just making excuses.
You need to rest.
Be as kind, but as honest, with yourself as you would be with her.
4. Set a Minimum Bar
Instead of thinking in extremes (go hard or do nothing), set a bare minimum standard:
If I can’t do an hour, can I do 10 minutes?
If I can’t do jiu-jitsu, can I do yoga at home?
The Power of Pushing Through
Pushing through isn’t about ignoring pain it’s about choosing discipline over comfort.
The days when we don’t feel like moving, when everything inside says just stay home, those are the days that shape us.
Wilma Rudolph: Running Past Pain
Born premature, Wilma Rudolph battled polio as a child. Doctors told her she might never walk again. Not only did she walk she became the fastest woman in the world, winning three Olympic gold medals in track. She knew the difference between real limitations and mental ones.
“The triumph can’t be had without the struggle.“ -Wilma Rudolph
When you choose to push, you build resilience. Every time you override the voice of doubt, you train your mind to be tougher, sharper, and stronger.
The Power of Rest
Resting is not quitting. Resting is refueling.
In the fitness world, rest is when muscle fibers rebuild and become stronger. In life, rest is when you regain clarity, creativity, and energy.
But here’s the trick: Resting doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means your radar is connected properly.
Rest is a Skill, Not a Weakness
It takes wisdom to say:
I need a break, and that’s okay.
Resting today means I’ll come back stronger tomorrow.
Serena Williams: Knowing When to Step Back
Serena Williams, one of the greatest athletes of all time, takes off-seasons to recover. She doesn’t grind 24/7. She allows herself to rest strategically.
“I always believe I can beat the best, achieve the best. I always see myself in the top position.“ -Serena Williams
She doesn’t let rest become avoidance. Instead, she uses it to sharpen her focus.
Resting Means You’re Playing the Long Game
Pushing when you need to rest leads to burnout, injury, and breakdown. But resting when needed? That leads to longevity, mastery, and peak performance.
The Real Problem: Trusting Yourself
At the end of the day, knowing when to push and when to rest comes down to trusting yourself.
If you say you’ll train tomorrow, keep that promise.
If your body is screaming for a break, give it one without guilt.
If you don’t know what to do, try first, then decide.
Discipline is not just about pushing. It’s about having the strength to pause when necessary and the courage to move forward when fear tries to hold you back.
Your ☎️Call to Action
Next time you hesitate whether it’s about a workout, a tough conversation, or taking a step towards your goals ask yourself:
Am I in real pain, or am I just uncomfortable?
Then, decide. Rest when needed. Push when necessary. And always, be honest with yourself.
🎼Song to Uplift Your Spirit: Stronger -Kanye West
Whether you’re a Kanye fan or not most will admit this song can do a trick.
Why? Because sometimes, you just need that beat to remind you that every hardship is making you tougher.
Now, tell me what's something you’ve been debating? Rest or push? Drop a comment below!
