Don't Fall for the Trap Day: Stay Ahead of Your Goals

As we near the holidays, many of us are tempted to turn days into a full-on relaxation days. But I’m here to tell you that today is a trap day—a day where complacency can derail your momentum.

In sports, a trap game happens when a strong team underestimates a weaker opponent and loses focus. Similarly, trap days in life occur when we let a "holiday mentality" carry over into the next day, and sometimes even the whole week.

The Risk of Trap Days

You’ve probably seen the classic Olympic race footage where a runner slows down just before the finish line, looking over their shoulder, only to be overtaken by a competitor who kept their focus. Trap days work the same way—they lull us into thinking it’s okay to pause completely, but our goals don’t pause with us.

Let’s get real: your dreams don’t care about holidays. They don’t wait for you to “get back into the groove.” Every day you’re either closing the gap on your goals or letting them slip further away.

Consistency Beats Overexertion

I’m not suggesting you grind yourself into the ground, but I do recommend doing something today. Even something small can remind you that you’re still in the game.

Take inspiration from the marathon. I remember my first marathon like it was yesterday. At the starting line, I spotted an older woman who looked like she’d have trouble finishing. I thought I’d blow past her.

But mile 16 told a different story. While I slowed down from exhaustion, she maintained her steady, consistent pace. She passed me effortlessly and finished hours ahead of me.

Her secret? Consistency. She wasn’t sprinting, but she was moving forward.

The Danger of “Just Taking One Day Off”

You know how hard it is to get back into a workout routine after missing a few sessions, right? The energy it takes to restart is far greater than the energy it takes to stay consistent.

If you’re tempted to relax today because “it’s just one day,” remember that it’s not just one day. One day can turn into four days, and suddenly a whole week of progress is gone.

Stay Committed to Your Why

Consistency starts with reconnecting to your “why.” Why did you set your goals in the first place? Remember the excitement you felt when you started.

For me, recording this podcast every day is part of my commitment. Even on days when I wonder if anyone will listen, I remind myself that it’s not about the audience—it’s about staying true to the promises I made to myself.

Your goals deserve the same commitment. Whether you’re the only person in the office, the only one working out, or the only one grinding, staying consistent will set you apart.

The Long-Term Payoff

Trap days may seem small in the moment, but over time, they can either hold you back or set you ahead. If you stay consistent while others are taking breaks, imagine the advantage you’ll have in a year, or even six months.

You owe it to yourself and your dreams to keep moving forward. Your future self will thank you for the effort you put in today.