Make it fun

I wrote earlier that it helps a lot to accomplish new things if you find a way to make it fun, do it just once, and smile.

I wanted to share a specific example of how i was recently able to make it fun.

My goal was to walk Cosmo, my dog, everyday. The first few days were tolerable, but after four days, i had little motivation left to get outside with him. The problem, of course, was that it wasn’t any fun for me.

Cosmo is very hyper and energetic, so when i would take him out, it was a constant tug of war. I suppose this is in part due to the fact that he was never really trained (which is another goal i am working on as part of this).

It was then the fifth night, and i had skipped taking him for a walk during the day. I had established a nightly routine of bike riding. It is quite enjoyable to ride as fast as i want and wherever on the streets—the suburbs are dead at night.

Cosmo knew that i was getting ready to go out and ran and got his leash (something i taught him, he is doing quite well with it). It was difficult not to succumb to his whines and sad eyes, so i thought, why not bring him along?

I attached an active reflector to his collar and ditched the lease. The reflector served two purposes: so i could see where he went, and so—if any actually came—cars could see him, too. Though, i rarely see anyone after 23 or so around here.

He was free to run and roam where he wanted, and i simply rode my bike behind him.

After he tires himself out i bring him back inside and then go out again for a real workout on my bike. He could never keep up with how fast i ride.