I started doing 50 push-ups daily when I was 28. Back then, for a young man in his 20s, that was perhaps decent but hardly impressive. Not worth much more than a faint smile or nod of appreciation.
Now, I’m 34. 50 push-ups are still just 50 push-ups, but the scope of people who find that feat impressive has already widened a little. Your 30s are for arriving. It’s when many people settle down. A time of homes, families, hopefully job comfort, and perhaps a bit of extra weight. I, too, have to fight a little harder than I used to to keep mine down. But the 50 push-ups are a staple, and they won’t go anywhere any time soon.
When I think ahead, I can only see my 50 push-ups becoming more and more impressive from here on out. And all I have to do? Maintain the same habit. Imagine seeing a guy in his 60s, 70s, 80s, and there he is, doing 50 push-ups in one go. Crazy, right? Way to stay in shape! But of course, if he’s done 50 push-ups for most of his life, to him that’s just normal. I’d like to be that guy when I’m 80.
It’s not just the results of habits that add up over time. It’s also their reputation. How others perceive you will shift, even if your habit stays exactly the same. Writing every day, holding the door for other people, being able to touch your toes—a lot of activities that seem boring now will appear impressive later. All you have to do is keep doing them.
Often, “extraordinary” is nothing more than the result of “average” maintained over a long time.
