Muscle & Motivate: Chew your M&M's

The best way to motivate change is through action—role modeling what you wish to see. It not only brings you in touch with the challenges of growth, but also inspires confidence in others to act. At the gym, my best workouts come from observing the unconventional routines of others.

What we do to care for ourselves is often exactly what others need. Just like on an airplane, you secure your oxygen mask before helping those around you. The stronger you become, the more you can uplift others. 🚀

Let’s take a quick deep dive into the growth that occurs in the body, mind, and spirit. Muscles and bones grow stronger through microtears and microfractures. Through neuroplasticity, the brain readily gains new perspectives, adopts healthy habits, and learns from life’s tests. Likewise, the spirit strengthens through courage, self-discipline, and faith.

But comfort, complacency, and self-doubt are just thin walls pretending to protect us from change. Break through them to experience the sweetness of life—just like cracking through the shell of an M&M.

"Sometimes you have to take two steps back to take ten forward. It sounds simple telling people to work hard and never quit, but to really execute and demonstrate those principles takes discipline and faith. Those are the two factors that I believe separate the good from the great, the successes from the failures." - Nipsey Hussle

I firmly believe the mind gives up long before we realize our true potential. Its default setting is to protect and preserve the status quo. When we set out to achieve something extraordinary, our own thoughts are often the first barriers we must break through.

I remember a couple of years ago running up a one-mile climb with a 900-foot elevation gain near my house, locked in on passing a cyclist ahead of me. My mind kept telling me to stop—it was impossible—but I refused to quit. I had something to prove to myself, so I kept going.

When I finally passed the cyclist, he called out in both astonishment and praise. That feeling of accomplishment stayed with me for the next year, even as I limped around with a partially torn Achilles tendon. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Remember, when you’re building your Self muscle, know that, as Nipsey Hussle said, you don’t do this for nothing. You’re building strength, setting the example, and proving that limits are meant to be broken. You’re motivating more people than you realize. Strive to be what you want to see. 🔥

So next time you grab a bag of M&M’s, make sure you bite through those walls of resistance and savor the reward inside. Don't sit there and be a sucka. 😎

Happy Thoughtful Thursday!

© Nuri Dimler 2025