I was tired after work and didn’t feel like cooking dinner. I kept debating whether to order from outside or make something quick. I spent 15 minutes deciding. In retrospect, I could have just done it.

I could have kept thinking while chopping vegetables. I could have browsed DoorDash while lighting the gas. Your mind can wander wherever it wants while your body executes. If the task lasts 30 minutes—maybe an hour—why is it such a big deal to give one hour to something you don’t enjoy but know is beneficial?

The same applies to hitting the gym, playing a sport, writing a blog, or reading a book. You may not like them in the moment. But why can’t you do them while thinking you don’t like them? These activities aren’t harmful, even if the results aren’t immediate.

There’s a saying: “Stop overthinking.” I’m saying something different. Don’t stop overthinking—just keep doing. Action doesn’t require emotional agreement.

Put on your shoes if you’re overthinking about skipping your run. Write that blog if you’re overthinking about skipping today’s writing. Cook the meal if you’re overthinking about ordering out. Do the dishes if you’re annoyed by the mess. Meet that friend if you’re hesitant after a long gap.

Which activities does this apply to? The ones your intuition quietly tells you are good for you. If you can feel that signal, just do it. Maybe there’s a 1% chance it becomes a habit. Maybe it becomes muscle memory. Maybe next time you won’t need the debate.

I’ve improved my life using this principle. I completed a one-year Film and Video Production program at the University of Washington in Seattle while working full-time. I didn’t enjoy the commitment. Many days I didn’t want to attend class, but I kept showing up. Eventually, I finished.

I don’t naturally enjoy skiing either; it pulls me out of my comfort zone. But snow is seasonal. I feel resistance until I get on the first chairlift and descend on fresh powder. Then I’m glad I showed up.

Some things won’t become habits, but you still learn. You discover what you don’t like. Without doing it, you would never know. Don’t live on educated guesses. Live through experience. Most regret doesn’t come from doing. It comes from hesitating.