Putting in a real physical effort does something that thinking never can – it resets you. Whether it’s digging bamboo shoots at dawn, jogging through your neighbourhood, or gardening until you’re exhausted, making an effort earns a kind of self-respect that nothing else quite matches. Here are a few thoughts on finding your hard reboot, and why it seems to matter more as we get older.
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Takenoko Season
Right now, it’s takenoko (bamboo shoot) season here in Japan. There is maybe one more week left to go, so the mornings start early. By 5:30 AM, the air is still crisp, and I’m out on the farm digging them up.
It’s physical work. Your muscles ache, your hands get dirty, and by the time you’re done a few hours later, your body remembers every bit of it.
But there is a beautiful, necessary contrast to it. After work, when the dirt is washed off and the stiffness starts to set in, I sit down at my PC. As someone who loves computers and writing, this transition from physical exhaustion to mental focus feels like a perfect balance. The body doesn’t lie, and working hard, quietly, and alone outdoors turns out to be incredibly good for the mind. It clears the head.
The Hard Reboot I’ve Used Since I Was a Teenager
This season reminds me of a habit I’ve had for years. Since being a teenager, I’ve relied on jogging to keep me grounded, whatever the weather (other than snow), and regardless of what happened during the day – be it everyday problems or endless loops of overthinking.
You probably know the loops I mean: doing the financial math at 3 AM, worrying about aging parents thousands of miles away, or just that nagging question of whether you’re doing enough with your life.
Lacing up my trainers and going for a run is my “hard reboot.” By the time I get back to shower, my mind is calm. Just physically making an effort makes me feel reset and grounded, knowing I’ve taken care of the basics for my own measure of self-respect.
I’m starting to realize that almost everyone who manages to stay grounded as they get older has their own version of this. It doesn’t have to be farming or running.
For some people, it’s the 5:00 AM weightlifting session before the house wakes up. For others, it’s walking the dog, or pulling weeds in a garden until their knees ache. I even know someone whose hard reboot is thoroughly cleaning their home.
The activity varies, but the reason it works is the same. The world is complicated and problems can drag on forever, but physical work is simple: you put in the effort, and you get a satisfying result you can see. The weeds are gone. The floor is clean. The muscles are tired. We need that physical outlet to process any stress inside.
A Quiet Respect for the Grind
It got me thinking about the concept of effort. Regardless of money, job titles, or even age, there’s a respect you can’t help but feel for people who just work hard physically, be it working hard for others or themselves.
I’ve noticed I have a subtle habit when I’m out and about. Whenever I pass people jogging in the street, I find myself giving them a slight bow. I don’t know their bank balances, their status, or what problems they are running away from or toward.
But I respect the grind. I respect the basic ambition to get out the door and start making an effort. Having that self-discipline, which to me is far more important than financial wealth, is something I value.
At 57, I don’t assume I’ll always be able to move like this. As an older guy, being physical feels like a chapter to hold onto while I still can. It isn’t just about paying the bills or staying healthy; it’s about proving to ourselves that we are still capable of the effort. And making enough of an effort to earn a little self-respect to prop up the day.
What about you?
What is the physical “grind” or discipline in your life that acts as your hard reboot? Have you ever noticed yourself respecting a stranger just because you see them making an effort?
Share your thoughts below. I respond to every comment.
Related Reflections on OldDogZeroTricks
If this idea resonates with you, you might also enjoy:
- How Small Daily Anchors Keep Us Steady
- What Does Your Ideal Reset Day Look Like?
- When You Get Good at Things You Never Felt Passionate About
