I hate breakfast, so I've got to find somethings that I like to

"I hate breakfast, so I've got to find something that I like to eat in the morning and just make sure I drink enough fluids." These words from Kyle Larson may seem like an unremarkable reflection on the simple act of eating, but in them lies a deep and timeless truth: the importance of adaptation, self-awareness, and the commitment to well-being. Larson speaks to the reality that not all things come easily, not all aspects of life are pleasant, but in the pursuit of success and health, we must find ways to nourish ourselves—sometimes through things we might not initially enjoy—in order to thrive. It is not the nature of the task, but our response to it, that determines its value.

In the ancient world, those who sought to become wise or strong understood that discipline in small matters was just as important as in grand ones. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, spoke of the body's need for balance—a balance that comes not from indulgence, but from mindful and purposeful choices. Breakfast, though often seen as a small part of the day, is in fact a significant ritual in maintaining one’s health and strength. But what happens when this ritual does not come naturally? What happens when the food that nourishes the body is not one that excites the soul? The answer lies in adaptation—in seeking solutions that work for our individual needs and preferences.

Consider the great warriors of history, those who trained their bodies to endure hardship. They, too, faced struggles in daily routines—whether it was the harshness of training or the monotony of preparing for battle. Leonidas, the Spartan king, would rise every day to train, not because he loved the process, but because he understood that discipline, especially in matters of the body, was essential for victory. It was the small, sometimes unpleasant routines that prepared him for the great battles ahead. Even the simple act of eating, though mundane, becomes a necessary preparation for the greater challenges that lie ahead. The task of eating breakfast, though difficult for Larson, becomes an act of self-care, a small but necessary preparation for the day’s demands.

In the same way, we, too, must find ways to adapt to the routines and habits that may not bring immediate joy but are vital to our health and well-being. The early morning hours are often filled with sluggishness and reluctance, as the body resists the demands of the day. But just as Hercules, in his labors, had to endure trials that were not of his choosing, we must endure the discomforts of our daily rituals in order to build strength, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. This is the lesson of patience—the understanding that growth comes not from avoiding what is uncomfortable, but from facing it head-on.

Let us turn to the example of Socrates, who, though he lived in an age of great intellectual thought, was no stranger to the humble routines of daily life. His days were filled not only with discussions of the nature of the universe, but with the practicalities of living—eating, walking, teaching. Socrates, unlike many of his contemporaries, did not seek out only the pleasing or the luxurious, but found purpose in the simplicity of routine. To him, the true wisdom lay in consistency and the ability to rise above discomfort for the sake of greater understanding. In his willingness to embrace the mundane aspects of life, Socrates teaches us that even the smallest actions—whether they involve eating or other necessary duties—can be a path to greater purpose and clarity.

Kyle Larson’s words are not simply about breakfast, but about a mindset that seeks to find the most effective way to meet one’s needs, even in the face of resistance. To hate breakfast is not a flaw, but a recognition of reality. It is a truth we all face: not all parts of life are enjoyable, and not every task will stir the soul. But we must rise above this resistance and adapt. The key is to find what works, to make choices that nourish us, even when they are not the most delightful or convenient. Just as the warrior prepares his body for battle, we, too, must prepare ourselves for the battles of life—through discipline, self-awareness, and adaptability.

The lesson here is clear: adaptation is a powerful skill. Embrace the discomfort of the routine, and find ways to make it work for you. Like the ancient philosophers and warriors, we must meet the mundane with the same resolve and dedication that we apply to the grand pursuits of life. And so, in practical terms, I encourage you: face the tasks you resist with an open heart. Seek out ways to nourish your body, even when the act seems tedious. The small actions you take, no matter how seemingly insignificant, are the foundation of a life lived with purpose and strength. Make the daily routines not just a means of survival, but a path to growth and resilience.