Two weeks ago, I was doing the same workout as I did today.

Today’s heart rate monitor read 152. Two weeks ago it read 182. How much stronger was my heart for cardio than two weeks ago?

My legs, however, were begging me to take it easy. Lower the resistance level. “You showed up to the gym and tried, that’s the most important thing.” But I couldn’t just quit, not when I knew I was barely challenging my cardiovascular level.

So I had to focus on my heart and cardio levels.

Two weeks ago, my legs felt strong, so I focused on my legs, and ignored my cardio level.

This is the way to move forward — when your heart hurts, focus on your legs. When your legs hurt, focus on your heart. The same can be said about life — when your motivation is down, you can focus on just moving forward. When your body is broken, you can focus on your motivation.

When emotionally you are damaged, focus on the logic. Did you lose a job? Girl told you she doesn’t want to see you again? Focus on the logic of these problems. Almost everyone who loses a job finds one again. No one in America is starving to death. Worst case scenario is that you’re middle class. As far as women — don’t I want more free time?

When you are having trouble thinking logically, rouse your emotions to make them move you forward. Situation seems hopeless? Imagine how good it will feel to prove people wrong. Imagine all the previous times in your life you’ve been validated, and how you felt then. Imagine how terrible it would be to have to ask those family members for help. And remember, “When you’re going through hell, keep going.”

When the heart is weak, focus on the legs. When the legs are weak, focus on the heart.